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Water For Rural Agric: Federal Ministry, AWDROP To Partner {Photos}
In its effort to sustain rural agricultural development, members of the National Executive of Borehole Master Drillers Association (AWDROP) on Friday met with Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono to assist in providing adequate water supply for rural farmers through a program tagged: ‘Agro-Rural Water Supply Support Initiative’ (ARUWASSI) .
Speaking during the meeting with the minister, the National President of AWDROP, Engr. Michael Ale lauded the federal government through the ministry for their involvement in underground water exploration, when their main mandate is to grow agricultural products for the country.
According to him, this is necessary because agriculture takes 70% of our fresh
water out of which over 80% of the fresh water are from the Groundwater”.
He said: “Major subsistence and commercial Agricultural practices takes place in
the Rural area which makes Rural Development key in Sustainable Agricultural
practices. There can’t be sustained Agriculture production without Groundwater.
“We are aware of the effect of climate change on our world, which had resulted
into many vices and research on climate friendly agricultural practices. Which
ever way we may decide, groundwater is key in sustained Agriculture practice, especially in Africa where it takes years to adapt to new innovation and technology and we are critics to change within the ecosystem.
“Nigerian farmers still find it difficult to practice all seasons farming, which makes some product out of reach during the dry season, whereas all fruit, grains, vegetables, tubers or fibers are produced all seasons in the developed world. This effect has been made possible through the effective management of groundwater
especially in the developed world. AWDROP has great expertise and potential in the development and management of this great resources and is excited with the current partnership with the FMARD through the ARUWASSI Program.
“This program has gained traction in the international groundwater fora and has
received so much attention. One of such is the presentation which will be made
in Uganda during the Africa Water Week by Africa Water Association. Honourable
Minister Sir, it will be our pleasure to request that two of your mid level officer
from the water division of the DRD be sponsored to this event which is in two
weeks”, Ale added.
Ale, while speaking on the benefits of ARUWASSI to promote desirable development in rural farming, extended his deepest appreciation to President Muhammadu
Buhari for deeming it fit to have a separate budgetary allocation line for the support to Master Drillers after association’s pleas for support.
He also commended the National Assembly for their well thought decision to approve it saying the borehole drillers’ desire is to make it a win-win partnership deal between the players.
The AWDROP president, therefore enjoined the minister to help strengthen the ARUWASSI Program under the support to Master Drillers budgetary allocation, such that many more programs that will attract donors’ funding will be developed under the initiative.
He also requested that the ministry in partnership with AWDROP should do more
on promoting water for Agriculture and Rural livelihood considering the amount of
infrastructure investment under ARUWASSI program among other requests to enhance the partnership.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Minister appreciated the visit by the National Executive of AWDROP and promised to hold them responsible for the management of the Drilling Rigs.
He also reiterated on the need to Integrate the ARUWASSI Rural Water program
with state governments to enhance better partnership and collaboration.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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