Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that the state government is considering generating electricity from the 9 Megawatts hydro power plant located within the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority.

The governor, who stated this during an on-the-spot assessment of facilities at the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority on Friday, said that his administration is already in alliance with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) on the modalities for the takeover.

He said that taking over the hydropower plant would boost his administration’s plan to improve power supply across the state, as it would be merged with the 30 Megawatts power plant in Onijanganjangan, which, being gas-fired, would ensure that the state has the right energy mix.

Governor Abiodun stated that the abandoned dam and hydropower plant, commissioned in 1983, represent stranded renewable energy that his administration intends to take advantage of.

He described the idea behind the establishment of the dam as noble, as it was meant to manage water outflow from neighbouring countries, local water tributaries, irrigation, power generation, and farming, among other purposes.

“From the information we have, one of the three turbines was commissioned, but the other two were not commissioned because they were not fully installed.

“We have been engaging with the Bureau of Public Enterprises, and there is an alliance between our government and the Bureau to take over this hydropower plant and merge it with our gas-fired plant so that we have the right energy mix.

“And that is another reason why we are here: to see what we can do to ensure that the stranded or idle power plants are fully optimised.

“I am sure that in the next few weeks, engineers will be here to ascertain the integrity of the plant and how we can resuscitate it for the use and benefit of our sons and daughters of Ogun State under our Ogun State Light Up Project. I mentioned earlier that we are going to have power plants in Abeokuta, Ijebu, Remo, and Yewa to ensure that we have enough power supply,” he said.

The governor also spoke on the need to turn the land around the River Basin into farm clusters to take advantage of the presence of water and irrigation for year-round farming, in line with the Renewed Hope Food Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the vast land around the River Basin axis is also suitable for cattle farming, as cattle require water.

“We’ve seen that we can further utilise the potential that the dam offers. We will ensure that we look at the ownership of farmlands around here, ensure that there is proper acquisition of those farms, and ensure that those farms are properly farmed, particularly under the

Renewed Hope Food Initiative, to ensure we grow what we eat and eat what we grow,” he added.

Governor Abiodun applauded the forebears of the country for conceiving the project, stating, “This project is laudable, but just like many Federal Government ideas and projects, most times, you find them not sustained and not fully optimised, and this is no exception.”

Governor Abiodun also noted that the Managing Director of the River Basin has debunked the rumours that it is the water from the dam that causes the perennial flooding in Isheri, adding that his administration would look into the claims of the Managing Director that the flooding is a result of water from other sources.

Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang said his administration has taken a firm stand against open defecation, saying, “I can’t stand the health implications of open defecation in my state.”

He promised that the state would do all it takes by providing clean and potable water supply and sanitation facilities.

Speaking on the occasion of the commemoration of the 2025 World Water Day with the theme, “Glacier Preservation”, in Jos on Friday, put together in partnership with Nelmaco Industries Limited, the governor said that not only does the practice of open defecation poses serious health risks but also contaminates the state’s water sources.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nicholas Bamlong, said that more than ever before, the state is committed to protecting the environment which is under threat due to climate change.

He said, “Here in Plateau State, we recognise the significance of protecting our environment and natural resources. We will continue to work towards reducing our carbon footprints and promoting sustainable practices.

“Another critical issue we must address is open defecation. It’s unacceptable that in this day and age, many of our citizens still lack access to proper sanitation facilities, hence our ranking as the second state in the practice of open defecation.

“To combat this as a government, we have vowed to change the narrative by intensifying our efforts towards creating an enabling environment to provide clean water and sanitation facilities to all citizens…

“Some of our strategies will include: Sustained Improving Water Supply: We have taken immediate steps to introduce the renewable energy to power the facilities of Plateau State Water Supply Agencies for sustainable access to water supply across the State and  promoting sanitation and hygiene practices in collaboration with World bank Sustainable Urban Rural water supply and sanitation and hygiene under the SURWARH programme in rural small town and urban areas of Plateau State and supporting the construction of toilets and sanitation facilities within those jurisdictions.

Chairman, Nelmaco Industries Limited, Dr. Nelson Uba Mkparu, pledged the cooperation of his organisation readiness to live up to the United Nations Standard by ensuring that Plateau State continues to have access to clean water.

A highlight of the occasion was the signing of commitment by representatives of the 17 local government areas to end open defecation in their different localities.

Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru has granted amnesty to 51 youths involved in the conflict between Ekoli community, Edda Local Government Area, and neighbouring Cross River communities.

Ekoli and Egbor/Urugbam communities in Biase LGA, Cross River, clashed in 2021 over ownership of a palm plantation.

According to a reporter by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the conflict caused several deaths and destruction of properties valued at millions of naira.

Announcing the amnesty on Friday at the 134 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Ezillo, Ishielu LGA, Nwifuru urged beneficiaries to embrace peace and a new path.

The governor said the state government was working with the Nigerian Army to achieve lasting peace in the conflict-affected areas.

“Our disarmament programme marked a turning point, showing the youths’ willingness — once vigilante members — to surrender arms and embrace peace,” the governor stated.

He said the voluntary surrender of eight mortar bombs, 29 AK-47 rifles, and 21 pump-action guns demonstrated their commitment to peace and a brighter future.

“We honour this commitment by granting amnesty to 51 of our brothers previously trapped in a cycle of violence,” Nwifuru said.

He emphasized that the amnesty symbolised both a pardon and a fresh start, offering hope for a brighter future.