Ogun, Osun River Basin Commits To Transparency In Projects Execution

The management of the Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) has assured that it will uphold the principles of transparency, integrity, and uprightness in handling the authority’s 2024 capital projects appropriation.

The managing director and chief executive officer (CEO), Dr. Adedeji Ashiru gave the assurance yesterday during the financial bids opening for 2024 appropriation at the Authority’s headquarters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Specifically mentioning the principles of fair play to all stakeholders, Ashiru disclosed that a technical committee on 2024 projects implementation and delivery and an evaluation committee have been established to ensure that the authority under his watch complies with due process and transparency.
Ashiru explained that the committees were constituted upon his assumption of office to address anomalies and ensure diligence in the process.

He declared that he is not ready to be investigated by anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), hence, transparency and integrity will be the guiding principles of the Authority throughout the period he will be holding sway as the overall boss of the agency.

Ashiru, however, told LEADERSHIP that the authority’s focus areas for the 2024 appropriation included: surface water harnessing, groundwater development, irrigation scheme development, hydro-meteorological data collection, erosion and flood control, agricultural infrastructure supply, and farm and rural access road construction and rehabilitation.

He emphasised that the goals are achievable through adequate preparation, implementation of yearly procurement plans, and consideration of needs assessment and budgetary provisions.

In demonstrating his commitment to transparency and integrity, some of the participating companies were disqualified for non-compliance with the set down rules, as well as irregularities during the bids opening.