Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, FNSE, has reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and integrity in the handling of 2024 capital projects appropriation. He declared that he is not ready to be investigated by anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), emphasizing that transparency and integrity will be the guiding principles of the Authority.
Engr. Ashiru made this assurance during the financial bids opening for the 2024 appropriation at the Authority’s headquarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He highlighted that a Technical Committee on 2024 Projects Implementation and Delivery, as well as an Evaluation Committee, have been established to ensure due process and transparency. These committees were constituted upon his assumption of office to address anomalies and ensure diligence in the process.
The Authority’s focus areas for the 2024 appropriation include surface water harnessing, groundwater development, irrigation scheme development, hydro-meteorological data collection, erosion and flood control, agricultural infrastructure supply, and farm and rural access road construction and rehabilitation. Engr. Ashiru emphasized that these goals are achievable through adequate preparation, implementation of yearly procurement plans, and consideration of needs assessment and budgetary provisions.
Demonstrating his commitment to transparency and integrity, some companies were disqualified due to irregularities during the bids opening. Sir Danforth Edobor of Justice, Development, and Peace Mission, a Non-Governmental Organisation, commended the Authority for its transparency and integrity and congratulated Engr. Ashiru on his appointment. He expressed confidence that the Authority’s transparency and openness would positively impact citizens and prayed for God’s wisdom for the Managing Director.
A total of 84 lots were advertised, with 82 lots opened at the earlier Technical bids opening in April and 363 financial bids from qualified companies opened at the occasion. The financial bids opening was witnessed by Executive Directors, Directors, management team members, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
