Tolulope Eniola
Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutional reform and resilience building, with a strong focus on sustainable water supply and sanitation services across the state.
The governor made this known on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Project Coordination and Review Workshop held in Akure.
He described the gathering as a platform to advance a shared national vision of ensuring access to safe, reliable and sustainable water for all Nigerians.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Project Implementation Unit for choosing Ondo State as host of the workshop, noting that the recognition underscores the need for greater service delivery and accountability.
He recalled that in December 2025, the state hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of the Owena Multipurpose Dam Water Treatment Plant in Igbara-Oke, under the Akure Water Supply and Sanitation Project.
According to him, the project represents more than infrastructure, as it is designed to improve public health, enhance economic growth and secure a better future for residents.
The governor disclosed that the state government had recruited 125 personnel to support the successful implementation of the project, describing the initiative as a critical step towards strengthening institutions and ensuring sustainability.
Aiyedatiwa also commended the Agence Française de Développement for its continued partnership and support, noting that the collaboration goes beyond funding to fostering trust, shared values and long-term impact.
He welcomed participants from Enugu, Kano and Plateau states, stressing that their presence reflects national unity and a collective resolve to improve water service delivery across the country.
He urged stakeholders to use the workshop as an opportunity to exchange ideas, address challenges and develop practical solutions.
Describing water as essential to life, dignity and development, the governor reiterated that his administration has prioritised water supply and sanitation as a key pillar of its development agenda.
He assured stakeholders of the state’s readiness to provide counterpart funding for ongoing projects while seeking an extension to ensure their successful completion.
Aiyedatiwa further charged participants to engage with sincerity and focus on actionable outcomes, emphasising that the success of the workshop would be measured by the impact of decisions reached.
He reaffirmed Ondo State’s commitment to excellence, accountability and collaboration, noting that the government would continue to ensure that development projects deliver tangible benefits to the people.
The governor thereafter formally declared the 2026 National Project Coordination and Review Workshop open, wishing participants productive deliberations and a pleasant stay in the state.
Earlier, the Ondo State Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Elder Ayodele Akande, said the workshop provided a strategic platform for advancing collaboration towards sustainable water systems.
He noted that the theme, “Building Sustainable Water Systems,” captured key issues of infrastructure, governance, accountability, and sustainability in the sector.
Akande stated that Ondo State, through its Water Corporation, had continued reforms and investments aimed at expanding access to safe water and improving service delivery.
He commended the governor’s support, saying it had remained instrumental in driving progress in the sector, while urging participants to focus on practical solutions that would enhance sustainable water provision.
He added that the workshop would enable states to assess progress, share experiences, and strengthen coordination for improved outcomes.
The National Project Coordinator of AFD, Engr Kasim Nafiu, said the forum marked the fifth edition of the coordination and review workshop designed to bring participating states together to evaluate performance and share experiences.
He explained that the programme commenced in 2017 with three states before expansion, noting that it had since stabilised despite initial challenges.
Nafiu said the forum provided an avenue for states to document progress, address challenges, and propose solutions, while warning that delays in counterpart funding could hinder implementation.
He noted that certain obligations, including taxes and compensation, were not covered under the loan agreement, urging states to take responsibility in order to avoid project delays.
He disclosed that the programme, originally scheduled to end on December 31, 2026, might be extended to 2027 or 2028 depending on implementation progress across participating states.
The Country Director of AFD, Mahamadou Diarra, said the workshop remained critical for assessing progress and addressing implementation challenges in Nigeria’s urban water sector.
He said AFD had supported water sector reforms since 2008, committing over 350 million dollars to projects across several states.
Diarra warned that delays in counterpart funding and procurement processes could affect implementation, stressing that tangible progress would only be achieved when contractors mobilise to site.
He also emphasised the need for timely release of counterpart funds to avoid disruptions in project execution.
A Director at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Akeem Adeyemi, said the ministry ensures alignment between external financing and national priorities, while monitoring compliance with funding agreements.
He stated that counterpart funding remains critical to achieving project objectives and advancing Sustainable Development Goals on water and sanitation.
Adeyemi assured continued federal support, adding that improved funding performance and adherence to timelines would enhance disbursement and project impact.
The workshop was attended by the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Chairman, House Committee on Water Resources and Member representing Akoko South East Constituency, Hon. Suleiman Murtala; and Member representing Akure North Constituency, Hon. Kolawole Ologede.
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