Olusegun Obasanjo Warns Against Borehole Drilling: A Call For Sustainable Water Management

Former President Raises Alarm Over Borehole Drilling

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep concern about the increasing trend of drilling boreholes in residential areas, particularly in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. Speaking through a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo warned that the unchecked proliferation of boreholes could lead to devastating consequences for the environment and future water supply. This alarming trend, he explained, is a direct result of the neglect of vital infrastructure projects like the Oyan Dam, which was initiated during his military administration in 1977.

Historical Context and Warning

During a recent visit by the management and staff of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, led by Managing Director Adedeji Ashiru, Obasanjo took the opportunity to voice his concerns. The visit coincided with World Water Day, providing a timely platform for this critical discussion. The former president emphasized that the failure to maintain and enhance the Oyan Dam has forced residents to rely on boreholes as their primary source of water. However, he cautioned that this practice could have far-reaching repercussions that might not be immediately apparent.

The Importance of Water Management

Obasanjo underscored the critical importance of water in sustaining human life, stating that water truly has no enemy. Reflecting on his time as Military Head of State in 1977, he explained that strategic water management was a key component of his administration's efforts to achieve food sufficiency and security. By establishing 11 river basins, including the Lake Chad initiative, his government aimed to ensure year-round farming through irrigation. He emphasized that relying solely on rain-fed agriculture is unsustainable, as unpredictable weather patterns, droughts, and floods can severely impact food production and security.

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He elaborated, "The first step toward achieving food security is the effective management of water resources for agriculture. The river basins we created were equipped with irrigation facilities to enable farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year, regardless of the season. This was not just about providing water; it was about ensuring the long-term sustainability of our agricultural sector."

Oyan Dam: A Missed Opportunity

Obasanjo lamented that the Oyan Dam, originally designed to provide power and water to the residents of Ogun and Lagos States, has failed to meet its intended objectives. Despite being operational for 48 years, the dam has not fulfilled its potential as a reliable source of water and electricity. According to Obasanjo, the dam has the capacity to generate 9 Megawatts of electricity, which could significantly boost power supply to the region and alleviate the country's energy challenges.

He remarked, "The Oyan Dam was built to supply water to Abeokuta and Lagos, but it has been neglected and ignored, much like the turbine for power generation. The water supply for Abeokuta is now non-existent, and instead, people are digging boreholes everywhere. This excessive drilling is causing the water table to drop, and the consequences could be dire. While I can't predict exactly when these repercussions will hit, geologists can provide insight into how quickly the situation might escalate."

A Call for Action

Obasanjo's message is a wake-up call for current leaders and policymakers to prioritize sustainable water management practices. By reviving and maintaining critical infrastructure like the Oyan Dam, Nigeria can address its water and energy challenges while safeguarding the environment for future generations. The former president's words serve as a reminder that the decisions we make today will shape the world we leave behind.