By Dele Ogbodo
The National Project Coordinator of the European Investment Bank assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, has commended the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for his administration’s efforts through it’s holistic environmental reclamation efforts which aligns with Nigeria climate change mitigation strategies.
The Project Coordinator, expressed appreciation to the Ekiti State Government for allocating the sum of N1.1 billion as counterpart fund contribution to the project
The disclosure was made during NEWMAP’s meeting with the Ekiti State Government in Ado-Ekiti to discuss key environmental issues and NEWMAP-EIB implementation of the projects in the State
The Governor was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Oyeniyi Adebayo on Thursday in his office at the Government House, Ado-Ekiti.
According to Anda, he stated that the NEWMAP-EIB team were in Ekiti State to assess the state’s readiness to participate in the project and disbursement readiness, which is one of the conditions precedence outlaid by the European Investment Bank (EIB).
He expressed appreciation to the Ekiti State Government for allocating the sum of N1.1 billion as counterpart fund contribution to the project.
He however appealed to the government to consider the release of the full amount to kickstart project operations in the state citing its critical importance to project implementation.
Communication Specialist at NEWMAP-EIB, Madina Gertrude while reinforcing the Project Coordinator’s visit said in a statestatement said that all sites brought forward have met the site selection criteria.
Anda, expressed concern on the life-threatening state of some of the sites in Efon Alaaye LGA and Oluronda community and recommend that the Gully Rapid Action and Slope Stabilization (GRASS) approach be applied as soon as possible to stabilize sites and stop further degradation pending when a lasting solution will be deplored.
The Governor of thanked the team for the visit and mentioned that the Governor is swift in approving and acting on environmental and natural resources matters.
He disclosed that the Ekiti State Government has earmarked ₦1.1 billion as counterpart fund contributions to the project, which would be released at the appropriate time.
He commended the NPC for his proactiveness and for ensuring that NEWMAP-EIB attains the highest level of implementation across all the participating states.
The CoS highlighted that Governor Oyebanji’s mantra for governance which is tagged: “Shared Prosperity” saying NEWMAP- EIB addresses two of the pillars i.e Infrastructure/ Industrialization and Good Governance.
He assured the people of Ekiti State that his administration is a service-oriented based that is committed to ensuring that the people enjoy the dividends of democracy, good Governance and prosperity.
He charged the team to continue to be in the fore front of performance in respect of NEWMAP-EIB Project development objectives in Nigeria.
The Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Tunde Balogun, thanked the Governor for demonstrating the highest political will by allocating the money for the project.
The State Project Coordinator NEWMAP-EIB, Dr. Akinyugha Akinyemi, earlier in his presentation of the overview of the project, mentioned that Ekiti has benefited immensely from the phase 1 NEWMAP as 9 local governments were covered, 2,000 people in rural areas benefited, all civil work on sites were 100% completed, including sites at the health centers, Ogbomu culvet, Ajalogun bridge IKere- Ekiti a major connecting road to Kogi State.
He stated that this phase of NEWMAP -EIB Project is expected to cover Efon,.Efon Alaaye LGA amongst others.
