* Tinubu’s inter-ministerial approach to food reforms laudable – Ale
The co-founder, Global Initiative for Nigeria’s Development, Mr Michael Ale, has advised the Federal Government to consider water sector stakeholders for inclusion in the efforts to ensure meaningful reforms on food security in the country.
Ale, who is the National President of Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners hailed President Bola Tinubu for declaration of state of emergency on food security in Nigeria.
But he said the Federal Government should know that there could not be any sustainable and equitable food security without water fairness.
Ale, who is also the National Coordinator of Courageous Nigerians Livelihood Programme, in a statement made available in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, hailed Tinubu for making the food reforms an inter-ministerial approach and advised that water stakeholders should be embraced in view of their vital roles.
He said, “lt should no longer be business as usual in the different ministries. Stakeholders invited and those not yet invited should be ready to play their role selflessly.
“State of emergency overrides other instructions and laid down principles, thus bypassing usual bureaucracy. But what can man do without water? The National Security Council should invite the water associations for their contribution.
“Irrigation using surface water alone cannot handle most of our peasant farmers’ needs and this wouldn’t be fair on farmers from the different parts of the country.
Conjunctive use of both surface and groundwater is critical for sustainable food security and job creation.
“Engaging stakeholders in the water sector, especially practitioners within the master drillers groups like AWDROP will safeguard the fund allotted for the food security project. These stakeholders need not be left behind to provide affordable water for irrigation and livelihood, “ he said.
