Jane Salihu
The Arewa Revival Project has declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing the Federal Government’s ongoing ecological interventions at three major dams in Kano State as strategic investments in food security, agricultural development and rural livelihoods.
The group’s Project Coordinator, Hon. Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim, stated this in a press statement, describing the rehabilitation and expansion initiatives at Tiga Dam, Challawa Gorge Dam and Kafin Chiri Dam as interventions capable of unlocking Kano State’s agricultural potential and strengthening economic opportunities across Northern Nigeria.
According to the statement, the projects are being implemented through the Ecological Project Office under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to improve irrigation infrastructure, promote sustainable agriculture and address environmental challenges affecting rural communities.
The group disclosed that the intervention at Tiga Dam is designed to open additional irrigation sectors in Yakasai, Gwamma and Gurjiya, covering approximately 875 hectares through the development of irrigation canals and associated infrastructure.
It noted that Tiga Dam, completed in 1974, has a reservoir capacity of approximately 1.97 billion cubic metres and an irrigation potential of about 230,000 hectares, in addition to supporting 10 megawatts of hydropower generation.
At Challawa Gorge Dam, the intervention focuses on developing 240 hectares of irrigable land through the construction and rehabilitation of main canals, distribution channels, field canals, access roads and other hydraulic structures required for efficient water management.
Similarly, the intervention at Kafin Chiri Dam is expected to open additional irrigation sectors covering approximately 164.91 hectares across the Kunpada, Matanfa and Maida sectors.
The Arewa Revival Project said the combined interventions could improve access to water for farming, support year-round agricultural production, create employment opportunities and strengthen food supply chains.
It added that improved irrigation facilities could encourage private investment in agribusiness, increase agricultural output and help farming communities build resilience against climate-related challenges.
The group described Kano State as a strategic contributor to Nigeria’s agricultural economy, maintaining that investments in irrigation infrastructure would help farmers maximise their productive capacity and improve the availability of agricultural produce.
It further noted that the projects align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of food security, economic diversification, poverty reduction and inclusive development.
However, the group stressed that the success of the interventions would depend on timely completion, transparent implementation, effective maintenance and the active participation of beneficiary communities.
It therefore urged relevant government agencies, local stakeholders and farming communities to support the projects and ensure that the facilities deliver sustainable benefits to the people.
Beyond infrastructure development, the Arewa Revival Project called for a comprehensive approach to ecological remediation that balances environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation with the socio-economic needs of local communities.
It described the Kano River Irrigation Special Ecological Project as an example of how environmental interventions could be linked to livelihood support, agricultural opportunities and long-term community development.
On its support for Tinubu’s re-election, the group said continuity in leadership would provide an opportunity to consolidate ongoing projects, expand development initiatives and sustain efforts towards national economic transformation.
It maintained that ecological restoration and sustainable agricultural development were essential to securing the future of communities across Kano State and the wider Arewa region.
