Edo, FG to Begin Construction of N8bn Jattu Dam to Provide Portable Water in State

•Obaseki underwrites 25% of the project sum 

•Says youths must be allowed to chart path to better future, sustainable devt

Edo State government and the federal government are set to begin the construction of Jattu Dam, in Etsako West Local Government in Edo State to provide potable water for residents and enhance all-year-round farming in the area.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed while briefing journalists in Abuja

He said the Ministry of Water Resources got approval from the Federal Executive Council to award the contract for the construction of the dam.

Mohammed explained that the Edo State Government had undertaken to underwrite 25 per cent of the N8 billion contract sum, which translates to N2 billion.

Reacting to the FEC approval, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, noted that the project was crucial to the state, as it would deliver portable water and drive productivity in Edo North Senatorial District of the state.

He added that the N2 billion contribution to the project was targeted at fast tracking the project’s delivery even as all other support necessary for the realisation of the project would be provided when the construction commences.

Meanwhile, Obaseki, has made case for youth participation in governance and politics, reiterating the need to provide young people with the opportunity to chart a roadmap that outlines their yearnings and aspirations for a better and more prosperous nation.

Obaseki, while speaking to journalists in Benin City, said his government remains committed to youth development and will sustain investments to empower them, providing the youths with the right environment and infrastructure to live life to the fullest.

The governor said youths made a bold statement with the last presidential election and must now be supported and given the opportunity to contribute to charting their own future and the roadmap that will put the country on the path of growth and development.

He said, “First, I think we must acknowledge the power of youths. You see their methods and what happened in our last elections. The changes you have seen in our political landscape are being driven by the youth. I am one politician who has always highlighted this because I work with a lot of young people. I believe in them; I see their energy and intellect.”

The governor further noted, “It’s about them and I believe we should hand over to them. We have done our time but unfortunately, Nigeria has not attained its full potential. To date, we are still talking about the potential of the country. Let the younger people take over and use their energies to create the Nigeria they will live in.”

Obaseki, however, urged the young people not to lose hope in the country, but to remain united and work together towards a progressive and prosperous Nigeria.