By Hillary Asemota
The National Project Coordinator, of the Nigeria Climate Change Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, has commended the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led Administration for the approval and release of the sum of N1 billion counterpart fund account which is part of its fulfilment conditions of the European Investment Bank to tackle gully erosion and other environmental challenges across the state.
While urging states to follow suite, the Project Coordinator, acknowledged that this feat demonstrates the highest level of political will to tackle environmental challenges in the state.
This he said has secured the state as one of the 23 beneficiary states for European Investment bank (EIB) intervention.
“It is an example of what we are expecting from our Authorizing environments.” he said.
Engr. Yalaks, made this known when he led the Federal Project Management Unit delegation on a courtesy visit to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government of Delta state, Dr. Kingsley Emu on Friday in Asaba, Delta State.
The Communication Specialist at NEWMAP, Madina Gertrude, in a statement made available to the media, said He also confirmed that after conducting an assessment of the prioritized sites which are currently active, aggressive, threat to infrastructural development, and threat to lives, they are therefore considered as candidate sites in line with the conditions precedence of the European Investment bank intervention.
“They are sites to invest in and have met the conditions precedence, Delta State has met all by 100%”.
Welcoming the FPMU delegation, the SSG, Dr. Kingsley Emu highlighted some notable achievements under the NEWMAP phase 1, such as the Owanta erosion and storm water management project in Ika North East and Obomkpa and Ukwu-Nzu Erosion Sites in Aniocha North Local Government Area, which he said, followed due process of project specifications.
Dr. Emu appealed to NEWMAP- EIB for a replica of this success in other ongoing projects in the state.
He assured the NEWMAP-EIB FPMU delegation of the Delta State government’s unwavering support in ensuring a safe environment and resilience to the impact of climate change.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro, revealed that the promises of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the people of Okpanam community during his election campaigns, have begun to yield positive results following the approval of the Amachai/Ogbozoma and Vanguard Area Erosion Sites for intervention.
Jamani, reiterated the state government’s resolve to extend the NEWMAP- EIB project to other communities ravaged by erosion.
“This move aims to secure and sustain the environment in Delta state.” he said.
Present at the meeting were the Commissioner for transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Minnie Oseji, State Project Coordinator, Mr. Benedict Nwaokocha, NEWMAP- EIB Specialist Staff, amongst other top government officials.
