Pipe-borne water may soon return to many communities in Ondo State as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has launched a large-scale rehabilitation of the long-abandoned Owena Dam.

The project, supported by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), is expected to restore clean and safe water to at least 1.3 million residents across seven local government areas.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Igbara-Oke, said the intervention would end decades of persistent water scarcity.

“This project symbolises a renewed promise of clean and safe water to our people,” he said. “For years, the stalled Owena Multipurpose Dam represented lost opportunities, but today marks a historic turnaround.”

Why It Matters

Akure and surrounding communities have endured years of unreliable public water supply, forcing many households to rely on unsafe sources and expensive private vendors.

Officials say the new initiative will rehabilitate the Owena Water Treatment Plant, upgrade transmission mains to Akure, build new reservoirs and expand distribution networks across Akure South, Akure North, Idanre, Ifedore, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Ondo East and Ondo West.

The governor also linked the project to broader economic growth, saying the dam’s revival could support irrigation, fisheries, renewable energy and tourism.

What the Project Includes

Governor Aiyedatiwa launched new Water Quality Testing Kits and Water Treatment Tablets to help communities detect and reduce cholera and typhoid risks.

He also introduced mobile solar-powered irrigation pumps for farmers—part of what he described as “one of the most comprehensive water and agricultural modernisation programmes in the state’s history.”

He thanked AFD, AfDB, the African Growth Together Fund (AGTF) and the Federal Government, urging contractors to “execute the project with integrity and diligence.”

Government and Expert Reactions

Representing the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Ayo Adekoya-Benson described the project as “a decisive step to deliver safe, sustainable and renewable water.”

He said Akure had not witnessed an intervention of this magnitude “in decades,” adding that the project would fix long-standing gaps in treatment plants, pipelines, reservoirs and distribution networks.

Ayodele Akande, Commissioner for Water Resources, said the last major intervention dated back to 2009, but failed to meet expectations.

“We are breaking the barriers of scarcity, unfulfilled hopes and interrupted dreams,” he said.

Industry Perspective: Financing and Long-Term Impact

Engineer Kehinde Michael, Project Manager for the AGTF, said the project rests on three pillars: infrastructure development, institutional strengthening and improved management.

He listed the financing as:

AfDB: $142 million

AGTF: $20 million

Ondo State: $36.9 million

Federal Government: $2.5 million

He said the project includes almost 45km of new transmission lines, more than 690km of distribution pipelines, reservoirs, customer metering and the rehabilitation of treatment plants in Owo, Ondo and Ibaraki.

A new 60,000-cubic-metre-per-day treatment plant will also be built to restore the potential of the dam, which has been underutilised since its completion in the early 2000s.

AfDB’s Position

Dr Abdul Kamara, AfDB representative, said the initiative aligns with the state’s development priorities of healthcare, infrastructure, tourism and education.

He said access to clean water strengthens public health, improves learning conditions and helps attract investment.

“This marks a shift from planning to execution,” he said, urging contractors to adhere strictly to timelines.

What’s Next for Residents

The governor later toured the facility and laid the foundation for a new office complex and laboratory for the Ondo State Water Corporation in Akure.

Officials say the first major improvements in water access could be visible once rehabilitation works and pipeline expansions begin to connect key communities.

Nigeria’s Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, along with airline operators and regulators, over the sharp rise in domestic flight ticket prices.

The decision followed a motion raised on Tuesday by Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, who warned that the rapidly increasing fares pose a risk to national mobility and could worsen travel disruptions as Christmas approaches.

He said Nigerians have been alarmed by the surge, with a one-way ticket from Abuja to Lagos now costing between ₦400,000 and ₦600,000 — a price many cannot afford.

Why it matters

The rise in airfares comes at a time when many Nigerians are turning to air travel due to insecurity on major highways.

Lawmakers fear that the cost spike could leave thousands stranded, harm businesses that rely on interstate movement, and increase pressure on already stretched road transport systems.

“Immediate steps must be taken before the festive period.” — Senator Buhari Abdulfatai

Senators voice public frustration

Senator Buhari said the price surge has “continuously distressed citizens,” adding that many see flying as the only safe travel option.

“We need to invite stakeholders of our airline agencies to interact and interrogate the issues. Immediate steps must be taken before the festive period,” he said.

Other senators backed the motion, with several describing the situation as “untenable” for ordinary travellers.

Industry reactions inside the Senate

During the debate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu attempted to justify the fare increase, citing rising operational costs and the high price of aircraft spare parts.

His explanation drew immediate criticism from colleagues who argued that airlines must not transfer the full economic burden onto passengers.

The Senate eventually agreed unanimously  to summon the Aviation Minister, airline operators, regulators and industry stakeholders to explain the price hike and present measures to reduce fares.

What’s next?

The Senate Committee on Aviation is expected to schedule an emergency meeting with the minister and stakeholders in the coming days.

Lawmakers say the goal is to restore price stability, protect travellers ahead of the festive season, and review regulatory oversight of fare adjustments.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has formally defected to the Accord Party, days after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He made the announcement on Tuesday at the Government House Banquet Hall in Osogbo, where he declared his intention to seek re-election on the new party platform.

The move marks one of the most significant political shifts in Osun State since the 2022 governorship election.

Why It Matters

Adeleke’s defection reshapes the political landscape in Osun State and raises questions about the future of the PDP, which has been battling internal divisions.

His decision also positions Accord as a potentially stronger contender in the 2026 race, drawing national attention to what could become a major three-way contest.

Political analysts say the move may influence party alliances, voter confidence, and the distribution of political power in the South-West.

Governor’s Statement

Speaking to party leaders and supporters, Adeleke said his move was driven by a desire for stability and a platform that aligns with his “governance direction and values”.

“I have joined Accord Party to continue delivering for the people of Osun State,” he said.

“I will be seeking a second term under the Accord banner because this is the party that truly reflects our commitment to progress and good governance.”

Accord Party national and state executives were in attendance during the declaration, signalling the party’s endorsement of his candidacy.

Reactions From the Political Landscape

Observers say Adeleke’s defection may trigger new alliances as other parties prepare for the 2026 governorship election.

Some residents expressed mixed feelings, with supporters praising his “courage” while critics questioned the timing and political strategy behind the move.

An Osun-based political analyst told NigeriaUpdates that the defection “may weaken the PDP structure further unless the party urgently reorganises.”

What’s Next?

Adeleke is expected to formally begin consultations across the state ahead of the party’s primaries.

His move also places pressure on the PDP to quickly rebuild its leadership and re-engage its supporters to avoid further defections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to issue detailed guidelines for the 2026 governorship election.