ATASP-1 Hands Over Rehabilitated Irrigation Pumping Station to AIRBDA

By Our Reporter

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food security through expanded irrigation and year-round farming, following the handover of the rehabilitated Lower Anambra Irrigation Project (LAIP) Water Pumping Station in Ifite-Ogwari, Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The project, executed under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase One (ATASP-1), was officially handed over to the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA) during a ceremony attended by government officials, farmers and community leaders.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, the National Programme Coordinator of ATASP-1, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Arabi, described the project as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise agriculture and boost dry-season farming.

Represented by the National Programme Civil Engineer, Engr. Usman Abdullahi, Arabi said the irrigation scheme would enhance food production and support sustainable farming across the Anambra River Basin.

He disclosed that more than 2,000 hectares of farmland had been rehabilitated, enabling farmers in Omor and surrounding communities to cultivate throughout the year.

“For years, farmers depended largely on rain-fed agriculture, limiting productivity and exposing them to climate-related challenges. With this irrigation infrastructure fully restored, farmers can now engage in multiple planting cycles annually and improve yields and income,” he said.

Earlier, the Zonal Programme Coordinator of ATASP-1 Adani-Omor Zone, Dr. Romanus Egba, said the rehabilitation included the restoration of the pumping station and the lining of 40.1 kilometres of irrigation canals.

According to him, the project was funded by the African Development Bank in partnership with the Federal Government, with counterpart support from the Anambra State Government.

Egba commended the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for supporting the project, particularly through the provision of a 5,000KVA power transformer to ensure stable electricity supply to the facility.

He also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers and key stakeholders, including the Chairman of AIRBDA, Senator Emma Obiajulu Anosike, and Rt. Hon. Justice Paul Obidigwe, towards the successful completion of the project.

“The pumping station is a critical component of the irrigation system serving the Ayamelum agricultural corridor. Its rehabilitation became necessary after years of deterioration that disrupted water supply and farming activities,” Egba said.

He added that the restored facility would improve dry-season farming, increase crop yields, generate employment and stimulate agribusiness activities across the area.

Receiving the facility on behalf of AIRBDA, Senator Emma Obiajulu Anosike commended ATASP-1 for revitalising the abandoned infrastructure and pledged proper maintenance and sustainability.

“We appreciate ATASP-1 for restoring this facility. AIRBDA will ensure efficient management and long-term sustainability of the infrastructure,” he said.

The Traditional Ruler of Ifite-Ogwari, HRH Igwe Alphonsus Ofuebe (Ogidiga), described the intervention as a major boost for rice farmers and agricultural productivity in Ayamelum.

The event attracted over 200 farmers from across the local government area, alongside officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and representatives of the Omor Kingdom.