By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The National Project Coordinator, NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, has commended the Governor Sheriff Oborevworiled Administration in Delta State for approval and release of the sum of 1b Naira to the counterpart fund account, demonstrating the highest level of political will to tackle environmental challenges in the state. This, he says, has secured the state as one of the 23 beneficiary states for European Investment Bank Intervention.
In a release signed by NEWMAP-EIB, Communication Specialist, Madina Gertrude, during a visit to the state, he said it was an example of what they were expecting from their authorizing environments.
Engr. Yalaks, who 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 Govt of Delta State, Dr. Kingsley Emu, on Friday, March 21, in Asaba, Delta State, confirmed that after conducting an assessment of the prioritized sites, which he said described as currently active, aggressive, threat to infrastructural development, and threat to lives, they were 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%,’ Yalaks said.
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, assuring 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 had begun to yield positive results in the community following the approval of the Amachai/Ogbozoma and Vanguard Area Erosion Sites for intervention.
Hon. Jamani reiterated the state government’s resolve to extend the NEWMAP- EIB project to other communities ravaged by erosion, noting that the move aimed to secure and sustain the environment in Delta state.
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, among other top government officials.
