The new Managing Director of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority, Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, has assumed office in Abeokuta.

Ashiru replaced Chukwuemeka Woke, who was Chief of Staff to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, when he was governor of Rivers State.

DAILY POST had reported that President Bola Tinubu named Woke as the head of the river basin authority on May 9, 2024.

However, several people and groups objected, saying that this went against the notions of familiarity and regional representation.

Dr Ashiru, while assuming office on Monday, expressed his gratitude to the president for the opportunity to serve and pledged to work towards achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in food security.

The new MD, who acknowledged the support of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, also pledged a commitment to upholding high standards and core values.

He underlined the value of cooperation and pledged to assist the River Basin family in achieving success by listening, learning, and providing assistance.

Dr. Ashiru listed his areas of interest, which included improving agriculture and food security, fostering the development of infrastructure, and guaranteeing accountability and openness.

“Our focus will be on enhancing water resource management, promoting agriculture and food security, supporting infrastructural development, ensuring transparency and accountability and good governance.

“Let us all work together towards a brighter future, harnessing our strength and addressing our challenges with innovative solutions and collaborative determination,” he said.

He also harped on the need for adequate funding and disclosed his intention to explore international funding opportunities.

“My first major responsibility is to look for funding, international funds that are made available for this special project and I can assure you that I have the full support and backing of Mr President in making this available to us in Ogun-Osun.

“Mr President’s major agenda item in the Renewed Hope Agenda is food security, and we are well positioned in the river basin,” he said.

Olayemi Odumosu, the immediate MD of the Ogun-Osun River Basin, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and praised the team for their commitment and diligence.

He expressed confidence in Ashiru’s capacity for leadership and wished the authority further success in the future.

Wike’s ally replacement assumes office as Ogun-Osun River Basin MD