The European Investment Bank has included Oyo State as one of the 23 beneficiaries of its intervention project aimed at addressing erosion and land degradation challenges in Nigeria. This project is part of the European Investment Bank-assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB).
Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, the National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, made this announcement during a courtesy visit to Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan. The visit was part of the scoping mission to evaluate the state’s readiness for the project’s disbursement and implementation.
Yalaks explained that the Nigerian government had initiated the climate adaptation programme following the success of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), aimed at addressing land degradation, improving livelihoods, and promoting environmental resilience. The project is supported by the European Union and managed by the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), with implementation across the 23 participating states, including Oyo State.
He praised Governor Makinde’s administration for approving and releasing 500 million naira as a counterpart fund and fulfilling other key requirements, which secured the state’s inclusion in the project. Yalaks confirmed that after conducting assessments of the prioritised sites in Oyo State, including critical areas of gully erosion, the state met all the necessary criteria for funding.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, welcomed the FPMU delegation and highlighted the state’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges under Governor Makinde’s leadership. Lawal assured the team that the state would fully support the project and fulfil all requested requirements.
Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, also commended the leadership of Governor Makinde, especially for selecting the prioritised erosion sites in areas like Eruwa, Igbeti, Ibadan, and the gully erosion site at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, which poses a significant threat to infrastructure. Mogbonjubola confirmed the state’s readiness for the full implementation of the project.
The visit was attended by Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources; Barr. Tayo Ayoade, the Oyo State Project Coordinator; and other members of the state’s Project Management Unit for NEWMAP.
He praised Governor Makinde’s administration for approving and releasing 500 million naira as a counterpart fund and fulfilling other key requirements, which secured the state’s inclusion in the project. Yalaks confirmed that after conducting assessments of the prioritised sites in Oyo State, including critical areas of gully erosion, the state met all the necessary criteria for funding.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, welcomed the FPMU delegation and highlighted the state’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges under Governor Makinde’s leadership. Lawal assured the team that the state would fully support the project and fulfil all requested requirements.
Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, also commended the leadership of Governor Makinde, especially for selecting the prioritised erosion sites in areas like Eruwa, Igbeti, Ibadan, and the gully erosion site at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, which poses a significant threat to infrastructure. Mogbonjubola confirmed the state’s readiness for the full implementation of the project.
The visit was attended by Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources; Barr. Tayo Ayoade, the Oyo State Project Coordinator; and other members of the state’s Project Management Unit for NEWMAP.