Korede Abdullah 
Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo
EDO, Nigeria – Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government to accelerate water infrastructure development and secure critical assets.
He stated this while receiving the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, who led a delegation from the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority on a courtesy visit on Tuesday.
Okpebholo stressed that federal-state partnership remains vital to sustainable development, noting that he had inspected some facilities and was concerned about vandalism and waste.
“A lot of resources are being wasted. This is not acceptable. You cannot invest so much and have it destroyed by acts of vandalism. We are taking steps to strengthen security around such areas,” the governor said, adding that plans were underway to establish a security outfit in vulnerable locations, including Obayantor.
He noted that a Forward Operating Base would help safeguard infrastructure, while assuring that the state would meet its counterpart funding obligations for projects like the Jattu Dam.
“We will look into the 25 per cent counterpart funding… But beyond funding, timely completion is critical. Our people need water,” he added.
Earlier, Utsev commended the state’s cooperation and infrastructure improvements, but raised concerns over vandalism and encroachment on project sites in areas such as Obayantor and Illushi.
He urged stronger protection of federal assets and timely funding support, noting that the Jattu Dam project had recorded progress.
The minister also called for intervention at the Auchi Integrated Farm threatened by erosion, expressing optimism that enhanced collaboration would boost water supply, agriculture, and rural development in the state.
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Mirian Gom 