By: Sayo Àlàgbé
Tucked away in the serene landscapes of Iseyin Local Government Area, Oyo State, the Ikere Gorge Dam stands as one of Nigeria’s long-forgotten treasures. Once envisioned as a flagship project for energy, agriculture, and water development, this massive infrastructure—reportedly the second-largest dam in Nigeria after Kainji Dam—has, for decades, been left in a state of abandonment. Yet, beneath its silence lies a world of untapped potential waiting to transform Oyo State’s economy, power supply, and agricultural productivity.
Originally designed to generate electricity through hydro turbines, the Ikere Gorge Dam could produce significant megawatts of clean, renewable energy. If the Oyo State Government obtains federal permission to take over and complete this project, the dam could become the state’s independent power hub, reducing reliance on the national grid. The generation of hydroelectricity would not only boost power supply to industries and rural communities but also attract investors eager to operate in an environment of reliable energy.
Moreover, the adoption of mini-hydro technology could make energy production more cost-efficient. The state could partner with private developers to establish power plants around the dam, thus providing jobs, driving local enterprise, and promoting sustainable development.
Perhaps the most immediate and practical benefit of reviving the Ikere Gorge Dam lies in its irrigation potential. With vast stretches of arable land surrounding the dam, a functional irrigation system could support year-round farming, breaking the dependency on seasonal rainfall. This would greatly improve crop yields, enhance food security, and reposition Oyo State as a major agricultural hub in the southwest.
Farmers could cultivate rice, maize, vegetables, and other cash crops all year long, while commercial farming ventures could thrive through public-private partnerships. The dam’s reservoir could also support fish farming, a thriving aquaculture business that could feed the state and provide export income.
Beyond power and agriculture, the Ikere Gorge Dam holds immense potential as a tourism and recreation centre. Its serene environment and panoramic beauty could attract visitors, researchers, and adventure seekers. By developing facilities such as resorts, water sports centres, and picnic areas, Oyo State could create a tourism destination that rivals any in Nigeria.
A revived dam could also spur infrastructure development in nearby communities—better roads, improved transportation networks, and business opportunities for locals. The ripple effect would be a rejuvenated rural economy, new jobs, and increased internally generated revenue (IGR) for the state.
Hydropower is one of the cleanest forms of renewable energy. By activating the Ikere Gorge Dam, Oyo State would contribute to Nigeria’s climate change mitigation efforts, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The dam could also serve as a flood control mechanism, helping to manage excess rainfall and protect communities downstream from destructive flooding.
Socially, the project could revive hope among residents of Iseyin and neighbouring communities who have long viewed the dam as a symbol of lost opportunity. Empowering local workers, engaging youth in technical maintenance, and supporting agro-based cooperatives would promote inclusive growth.
To achieve this, the Oyo State Government must engage the Federal Government to secure the right of management and development over the Ikere Gorge Dam. With a clear master plan, the state can explore partnerships with the private sector, international donors, and development banks to provide funding, expertise, and modern technology. The state could even establish a Hydro-Agric Development Agency dedicated to overseeing the dam’s operations and allied economic activities.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, known for its pragmatic approach to infrastructure renewal, could transform the Ikere Gorge Dam into a signature legacy project—a symbol of vision, productivity, and sustainable governance.
It is time for Oyo State to wake this sleeping giant. The Ikere Gorge Dam represents more than a relic of abandoned dreams—it is a gateway to industrial progress, agricultural prosperity, and environmental renewal. Reclaiming and reviving it would not only rewrite the state’s economic story but also demonstrate how leadership can turn forgotten assets into engines of growth.
The path forward is clear: obtain permission, complete the project, and unleash the full potential of the Ikere Gorge Dam. In doing so, Oyo State will not only light up homes and irrigate farmlands but also illuminate the future of sustainable development for generations to come.
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