President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the executive management teams for 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. The appointments are aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of these organizations, which play a critical role in water resource management and agricultural development across the nation.
Announcing the appointments, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, highlighted that the selected individuals bring a wealth of experience to their roles and are expected to drive transformative change in their respective areas of responsibility.
The RBDAs, which oversee critical water resource projects across the country, are instrumental in achieving the administration’s goals of improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and uplifting rural communities. Below is a summary of the newly constituted executive teams:
1. Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (Abeokuta)
(Covers Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and Osun States)
• Chairman: Hon. Odebunmi Olusegun (Oyo)
• Managing Director: Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru (Osun)
• Executive Directors:
• Finance: Ayo Oyalowo (Oyo)
• Planning & Design: Dokunmu Olufemi Oyekunle (Ogun)
• Agricultural Services: Suleiman Oris (Lagos)
• Engineering: Engr. Julius Oloro (Lagos)
2. Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (Yola)
(Covers Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, and Bauchi States)
• Chairman: Alh. Sanusi Mohammed Babantanko (Bauchi)
• Managing Director: Samuel Mahmud Mohammed (Taraba)
• Executive Directors:
• Engineering: Hon. Usman Babandubu Bakare (Taraba)
• Finance: Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo (Gombe)
• Planning & Design: Hon. Isa Matori (Bauchi)
• Agricultural Services: Hamman Dikko (Adamawa)
3. Chad Basin Development Authority (Maiduguri)
(Covers Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States)
• Chairman: Prof. Abdu Dauda (Borno)
• Managing Director: Tijjani Musa Tumsa (Yobe)
• Executive Directors:
• Finance: Barr. Bashir Baale (Yobe)
• Agricultural Services: Iliyasu Muazu (Adamawa)
• Engineering: Engr. Mohammed Shetima (Borno)
• Planning & Design: Vrati Nzonzo (Borno)
4. Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (Benin City)
(Covers Edo, Delta North, Ondo, and Ekiti States)
• Chairman: Hon. Mike Ohio Ezomo (Edo)
• Managing Director: Femi Adekanbi (Ondo)
• Executive Directors:
• Planning & Design: Dr. Austin Nonyelim Izagbo (Delta)
• Agricultural Services: Hon. Johnson Oghuma (Edo)
• Finance: Adegboyega Bamisile (Ekiti)
• Engineering: Bayode Akinduro (Ondo)
… (Similar details for the other eight RBDAs)
A Vision for Transformation
President Tinubu charged the newly appointed officials to work diligently to ensure the efficient management of the nation’s water resources and development of the agricultural sector. “This administration is committed to bettering the lives of all Nigerians, and the River Basin Development Authorities are integral to achieving this goal,” he stated.
The President emphasized that the RBDAs must not only focus on their core mandates but also collaborate with local communities and other stakeholders to ensure sustainable development and resource management.
The appointees are expected to commence their duties immediately.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser (Information & Strategy)
December 18, 2024