By Eniola Elewude
The Federal Government says it will construct a dam in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau to improve water supply, boost irrigation farming and enhance power generation.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced this in a statement on Monday after an assessment visit to the proposed dam site.
Utsev was accompanied by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Ali Dallah.
He said the project, initiated on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, would commence after the completion of feasibility studies, design and approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
According to him, the dam would provide sustainable water supply to communities in Kanke and neighbouring areas, support irrigation agriculture, create jobs for women and youths and increase power generation.
Utsev also disclosed that the Mangu Dam project in Mangu Local Government Area had reached 90 per cent completion.
He said the project was designed to expand irrigation activities, support hydropower generation and address longstanding water challenges in the area.
The minister added that the government was constructing dams along the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway to improve domestic water supply, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, promote year-round agriculture and enhance electricity generation.
He said rehabilitation work was ongoing at the Alau Dam in Borno, while several other dams across the country were at various stages of rehabilitation.
Utsev expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting the ministry’s efforts to implement projects in the water and sanitation sector.
He assured that the ministry would remain committed to improving access to water and sanitation services nationwide.
Yilwatda said the completion of the Kanke dam would help address water challenges in the area and neighbouring communities when connected to distribution networks.
He added that the facility would improve electricity supply, provide access roads, create economic opportunities and serve as a tourism centre.
The APC chairman said the Tinubu administration had prioritised development projects in Plateau and the North Central region, urging citizens to support ongoing initiatives.
The minister, APC chairman and acting permanent secretary had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Golong Ngas, Chief Jika Golit, to inform him of the proposed project and seek his support for its execution. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade

Nigerian youngster Godwin Raphael Itotomi has taken a significant step in his football career after completing a move to French club Stade de Reims, where he will continue his development with the club’s youth setup.

Sports247 reports that the highly-rated centre-back, who captained Grassrunners FC of Ogun State, officially signed his contract with the French outfit and is expected to feature for Stade de Reims Révélations, the club’s reserve and youth development team competing in the Groupe Élite Championnat des Réserves Professionnelles.

The transfer marks another milestone for the promising defender, whose leadership qualities and commanding performances at the heart of Grassrunners FC’s defence earned him recognition and opened the door to European football.

Renowned for his composure on the ball, strong aerial presence, tactical awareness and ability to organise the backline, Itotomi now has the opportunity to further develop his game in one of Europe’s respected youth development environments.

The move is expected to expose him to a higher level of competition and professional coaching as he works towards breaking into senior football.

Speaking on the move, those close to the player believe the switch to France represents the perfect platform for the young defender to realise his enormous potential.

Joining Stade de Reims provides him with access to world-class training facilities and a structured development pathway that has produced several top talents over the years.

For Grassrunners FC and Ogun State football, the transfer is another testament to the quality of young players being nurtured at the grassroots level. It also reinforces the growing reputation of Nigerian academies in producing talented footballers capable of earning opportunities with European clubs.

As he begins life in Reims, located in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, Itotomi will be aiming to adapt quickly to his new environment, impress the coaching staff and establish himself as a key figure in the club’s youth ranks.

The move is expected to serve as an important stepping stone in his career, with the long-term ambition of progressing into Stade de Reims’ first team and eventually making his mark at the highest level of European football.

For Nigerian football enthusiasts, Godwin Raphael Itotomi’s transfer is another encouraging success story, highlighting the increasing pathway from grassroots football to elite European clubs.