In a bid to give urgent attention to environmental issues and NEWMAP-EIB implementation in Ekiti, the National Project Coordinator, Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks met with the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, represented by the chief of staff, Hon. Oyeniyi Adebayo on Thursday in his office at the Government House, Ado-Ekiti.
Engr. Anda 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.
He expressed appreciation to the Ekiti State Government for allocating the sum of 1.1b Naira as a 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.
He further stated that all sites brought forward have met the site selection criteria.
Engr. Anda lamented the life-threatening state of some of the sites in Efon Alaaye LGA and Olorunda community and recommend that the GRASS (Gully Rapid Action and Slope Stabilization) approach be applied as soon as possible to stabilize sites and stop further degradation pending when a lasting solution will be deplored.
The Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Hon Oyeniyi Adebayo 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.
He highlighted that Governor Oyebanji’s mantra for governance is tagged; “Shared Prosperity” saying NEWMAP- EIB addresses two of the pillars , that is , Infrastructure/ Industrialization and Good Governance.
He assured the people of Ekiti State that HE, governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is a service-oriented person and 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 forefront of performance in respect of NEWMAP -EIB Project development objectives in Nigeria.
The Acting . Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Tunde Balogun thanked the Governor for demonstrating the highest political will by allocating over a billion Naira to 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 and a major connecting road to Kogi State.
He stated that this phase of the NEWMAP -EIB Project is expected to cover Ado-Ekiti and Efon Alaaye Local Government Areas.