BY SALAU TAWAKALITU YEWANDE
The Federal Government of Nigeria is ramping up preparations for the forthcoming International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) 6th African Regional Conference (ARC), scheduled to take place from April 14th to 18th, 2025, in Abuja.
This was announced at the inauguration of key task team members and committee leaders on Thursday, which marks a significant milestone in ensuring the successful hosting of this important event.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlulum Utsev, FNSE, underscored Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives of ICID, highlighting the country’s extensive support for advancing water and land management practices for agricultural development.
Representing the Honourable Minister at the inauguration ceremony, the Honourable Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding membership with ICID dating back to 1970.
The upcoming conference presents a vital platform for Nigeria to showcase its expertise and achievements in irrigation and drainage, with the National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID) spearheading the hosting bid, securing the honour to host the 6th ARC.
Engr. Mrs. Oyeronke Oluniyi, FNSE, Director Irrigation and Task-Team Chair, highlighted that Nigeria secured the hosting rights during the 24th Congress of ICID held in Australia in 2023.
She emphasized ICID’s mission to address regional irrigation and drainage challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among member nations.
The newly inaugurated task team members, led by Engr. Oluniyi as Chairman and Engr. I.K. Musa as Co-Chairman, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the conference preparations.
Notably, the inclusion of distinguished professionals such as Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and Engr. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, President of the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), underscores the broad-based collaboration driving Nigeria’s efforts towards a successful conference.
In response to their appointment, Prof. Musa Shuaibu of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, expressed gratitude for the ministry’s confidence in the team and pledged to work closely with stakeholders to deliver an impactful and successful conference.
The Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi, FCNA, emphasized the importance of prompt preparation and submission of pre-event requirements to facilitate timely resource allocation and ensure a seamless conference experience.
With Nigeria’s rich history in irrigation and drainage management, hosting the ICID 6th ARC presents an invaluable opportunity to exchange knowledge, showcase advancements, and foster collaborations that will drive sustainable water management practices across the African continent.
