FG to establish National Institute of Irrigation, Water Resources Management in Chip.
By Jacob Monday Dakulak.
The Senator representing Plateau Central, Diket Plang has revealed plans by the Federal Government to establish the National Institute of Irrigation and Water Resources Management in Chip, Pankshin LGA of Plateau State.
The Senator made this known recently when the National President of Mhiship Community and Cultural Development Association (MCCDA), Corps Commander Martin Ayuba Dapel (rtd.) led a high powered delegation of Mhiship Community in Abuja to pay a condolence visit on the Senator over the demise of his wife, Janet Diket Plang.
The Lawmaker said the forward-looking institution is designed to offer National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes focusing on building local expertise in irrigation technologies and sustainable water management which are critical tools for a country facing increasing climate volatility.
He noted that the Federal Government’s strategic move is aimed at addressing Nigeria’s long-standing agricultural and environmental challenges, and explained that plans are in progress to actualize the laudable initiative.
Responding to the Senator, the MCCDA President, said this move reflects a deep commitment to education, innovation, and sustainable development in one of the country’s most vital sectors.
He expressed happiness with with such revelation noting that the announcement struck a deep chord. “This is a statement of purpose,” he said. “It reflects a genuine commitment to innovation, capacity-building, and sustainable development in one of Nigeria’s most vital sectors.”
The MCCDA President explained that the delegation also discussed the revival of the historic Dansak Dam, a visionary project initiated during the Joseph Gomwalk administration in the 1970s.
In his words, “though once halted due to legitimate environmental concerns, especially the potential flooding risk to towns like Shendam, Senator Plang’s determination to revisit this legacy project, this time through the lens of modern environmental safeguards and strategic planning, shows a leader thinking beyond the moment.
CC Dapel noted that Senator Plang’s “desire to institutionalize Mhishipland through meaningful infrastructural development is both a tribute and a confirmation of an enduring legacy”.
“Senator Plang’s resolve demonstrates that from private pain can emerge public purpose. It is a call to action, a mark of statesmanship, and a blueprint for a water-secure, agriculturally empowered future”, Dapel emphasized.
The visit proved deeply enriching, not only for the solidarity it conveyed, but for the strategic dialogue it fostered. It reminded us that even in moments of sorrow, true leadership finds the courage to cast a vision.
As plans move forward, the people of Chip and the greater North Central region may soon find themselves at the heart of a transformative national development effort, rooted in their soil, their stories, and now, their water.
