Utsev inaugurates Rafin Yashin Dam in Niger

Prof Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has inaugurated the Rafin Yashin Multipurpose Dam in Minna, Niger State.

The dam project, initiated by the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, aims to provide water for the Songhai Integrated Farm and Rafin Yashi Irrigation Project.

The dam is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on enhancing food production to ensure food security throughout the country.

During the ceremony, Prof Utsev called for more collaboration between states and the private sector, particularly in irrigation and water supply.

Government committed to food security

He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to achieving food security, pledging that no efforts would be spared in attaining the goal.

Before the inauguration, the Minister paid a courtesy visit to the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, where he highlighted the availability of dams across the state under the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority.

He explained that the dams would be use for irrigation farming and water supply, benefiting the people of Niger State and the entire country.

Niger seeks partnership with FG

Deputy Governor of the state, Yakubu Garba, expressed the administration’s preparedness to collaborate with the Federal Government, and identified limited resources as one of the challenges faced in the full utilization of the existing dams.

He appealed to the Minister for support in addressing water scarcity and requested assistance in constructing additional water works for irrigation farming and consumption.

Prof Utsev officially opened the Rafin Yashi Dam road and inspected the Agro-Tourism Facility, Concrete Reservoir, and Songhai Integrated Farm.

The minister also presented certificates to graduates of the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority Empowerment Centre.

Writing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade; Editing by Adeniyi Bakare and Tony Okerafor

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