AWC MDA DESK
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the completion of the Otukpo Multipurpose Dam in Benue State, a strategic project expected to boost irrigation farming, enhance food security, and support hydropower generation for host communities.
The assurance was given on Thursday by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, during an on-the-spot assessment tour of the project, accompanied by senior management of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation. The visit, officials said, reflects renewed momentum to ensure the dam delivers tangible benefits to the people of Benue and the wider region.
Prof. Utsev stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly committed to completing critical water infrastructure nationwide, noting that projects like the Otukpo Dam are central to providing clean, safe and sustainable water, expanding irrigated agriculture, and unlocking rural economic opportunities.
According to the Minister, once completed, the dam will significantly support dry-season farming, reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture, and contribute to local power supply—outcomes that align with the Federal Government’s broader development and energy diversification goals.
Beyond infrastructure delivery, Prof. Utsev also used the occasion to underscore the importance of civic participation, urging eligible residents aged 18 and above to take part in the ongoing voter registration exercise and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards. He described active civic engagement as complementary to development efforts, noting that inclusive governance strengthens accountability and sustainable project delivery.
Community stakeholders welcomed the Federal Government’s renewed assurance, expressing optimism that the completion of the Otukpo Multipurpose Dam would transform livelihoods, enhance resilience against climate variability, and accelerate socio-economic growth in Benue State.
The assessment tour signals a renewed push by the Federal Government to translate policy commitments into completed projects, reinforcing its focus on infrastructure-driven development and citizen participation.
