AWDROP Seeks Involvement In State Of Emergency On Food Security

The National President of Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP) has hailed the decision by President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on food security, urging the federal government to get experts and water resources professionals engaged in achieving food security in the country.

AWDROP President, Mr. Michael Ale who is also the Co-founder of Global Initiative for Nigeria Development (GIND) said there could be no sustainable and equitable food security without water fairness.

He said such will help in its efforts to ensure speedy reforms on food security for the country.

Ale who noted that such development was not new in the country, said something novel and progressive has been added which included more than one Ministry, where coordination is key but a major concern.

He said, “State of emergency overrides other instructions and laid down principles, thus bypassing usual bureaucracy. But what can man do without water?

“The National Security council should invite the Water association for their contribution.”

While appreciating President Tinubu for thinking in this direction, he said, “ lt should no longer be business as usual in different ministries. Stakeholders invited and those not yet invited should be ready to play their role selflessly”.

Ale further stressed that irrigation alone using surface water cannot handle the needs of peasant farmers, saying this will not be fair on farmers from other parts of the country.

His words:” Conjunctive use of both surface and groundwater is critical for sustainable food security and job creation. Engaging stakeholders in the water sector, especially practitioners within the Master drillers groups like AWDROP will safeguard the fund allotted for the project in food security. These stakeholders need not be left behind to provide affordable water for irrigation and livelihood.’’