Damilola Itubanjo,Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on MDG water resources
The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed that revitalizing water infrastructure across the state remains a top priority of the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo stated this during an infrastructural assessment tour of Remo, Odogbolu, and the surrounding areas as part of ongoing efforts to revamp the water sector across the state, focusing on addressing critical water management challenges, replacing outdated infrastructure, and overcoming funding and logistical constraints.
She expressed optimism that the government’s renewed focus on the sector would help resolve longstanding issues and improve water supply across the state.
“Many of our water infrastructure facilities are not functioning optimally, and there are concerns regarding the inadequate utilization of available funding. This is a major challenge, and there is a lot of work to be done. We must act swiftly to rehabilitate critical water infrastructure to provide clean and potable water to the people of Ogun State.
“We urge His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, to support us in expanding water supply to more communities, as access to clean water is a fundamental necessity that requires urgent attention.
“I am confident that this administration, under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun, will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that residents have regular access to clean and potable water,” she stated.
Hon. Otubanjo further assured the public that, with a team of experts working alongside her, the state should expect significant improvements in the water sector, even as she emphasized that her team remains committed to identifying and resolving challenges within the sector.
Also speaking, Consultant to the Governor on Water, Alhaja Muinat Jaji, reassured residents that they can expect an improved and more efficient water supply.
She highlighted that the facility assessment also focuses on aging equipment, which the state government has pledged to rehabilitate.
Water schemes inspected included Ogere Water Surface Scheme – servicing Ogere, Iperu, Ilisan, Irolu, Ipara, Iperu Borstal Institution; Akaka Mini Scheme – covering Akaka and Ilara; Ilisan Borehole Scheme; Ikene Borehole Scheme; Odogbolu Reservoir; Ayepe-Ijebu Reservoir; and Sagamu Scheme.
Meanwhile, Hon. Otubanjo has called on local governments to take a more proactive role in addressing challenges in the water sector.
She emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with the state government to tackle aging infrastructure, improve maintenance, and enhance water accessibility for residents.
She noted that many communities still suffer from inadequate access to clean water due to poor maintenance and lack of intervention from local governments.
“Local governments must become active collaborators in progress. These water schemes are situated in their jurisdictions, and they need to take ownership of infrastructure maintenance. Beyond state, federal, or donor-funded interventions, local governments must ensure sustained operations and accountability in the sector,” she stated.
Hon. Otubanjo further noted that as part of efforts to localize the SDGs, the state will establish SDG Desk Officers across all 20 local governments to facilitate partnerships on targeted SDG intervention projects and programs.
She stressed that local government leadership and their teams must play an active role in ensuring that allocated funds for rehabilitating aging pipelines and water networks are effectively utilized.
