‘Ogun-Oshun River Basin 313 Greenhouse Projects To Boost Dry Season Food Production’

The Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) has confirmed the progress of its 313 greenhouse projects aimed at enhancing food production during the dry season, under the leadership of its managing director and CEO, Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru.

Dr. Ashiru, in response to journalists’ enquiries, highlighted that the Authority has completed 73 new greenhouses, fully rehabilitated five, and plans to rehabilitate an additional 15. Furthermore, contracts for 220 more greenhouses have been awarded, with delivery expected in 2025.

Responding to doubts raised about the reported figures, Dr. Ashiru clarified that the total of 313 greenhouses includes completed, rehabilitated, and contracted units. He assured that the Authority’s project disclosures represent both achievements made and forthcoming developments.

Dr Ashiru reaffirmed the figures, confirming that the Authority has completed the construction of 73 new greenhouses, fully rehabilitated 5 and 15 to undergo rehabilitation and awarded contracts for an additional 220 units set for delivery in 2025.

“Greenhouses are vital in ensuring continuous food production throughout the year, especially in the dry season when rainfall is scarce,” Dr. Ashiru said, linking the initiative to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security.

He emphasised that these projects are critical to sustaining agricultural output regardless of seasonal challenges.

“Even during the dry season, when rainfall is scarce, food production must continue. Greenhouse farming enables that continuity.”

“When we unveil a project, we are showcasing what the Authority has achieved and including projects already awarded,” he clarified.

Speaking on the matter, the Authority’s executive director Planning and Design, Femi Dokunmu, credited Dr Ashiru’s leadership for reviving numerous stalled initiatives.

“Engr Ashiru has breathed life into several projects that were previously inactive. The results are tangible, and the evidence speaks for itself,” Dokunmu said.

He also referred to the recent commissioning of solar-powered boreholes, which have eased water access for several rural communities.

Also, head of Construction, Engr Taiwo Ogunshoro, addressed concerns over the quality of roads delivered by the Authority.

“At every site, we follow the standard asphalt specification of 50 millimetres, two inches, not the one inch some have alleged. In locations such as Okemosan, the thickness goes up to three inches,” Ogunsanwo confirmed.

The Authority continues to defend its greenhouse programmes and infrastructure upgrades as vital components in building a robust agricultural sector and enhancing Nigeria’s capacity for sustainable food production.