By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The National Project Coordinator of the European Investment Bank assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation- Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) has commended the Oyo State Government for its efforts in CO2 emissions reduction which is in line with Nigeria climate change mitigation strategies, saying it is in line with the countries NDCs determined contribution efforts towards emission reduction.
In a press release signed on Wednesday, 9th April, by the NEWMAP-EIB
Communication Specialist, Madina Gertrude, and made available to newsmen through WhatsApp Channel, she stated that Engr. Anda gave the commendation when he led the Federal Project Management Unit during the week on a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Abduraheem Adebayo Lawal in his office in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Engr. Anda told the Governor that Oyo State had met 100 percent of all the conditions precedence towards disbursement effectiveness to attract funding from the European Investment Bank.
He thanked the Governor for the 500m Naira counterpart fund contribution, which, he said, had long been approved and released to the project account and further appealed to the Governor to increase the state’s counterpart fund contribution to enable effective project operations and running cost. Also, he requested that the government should consider providing additional project operational vehicles for smooth project operations.
The Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bar. Abduraheem Adebayo Lawal, thanked the NEWMAP-EIB Team for the visit and reassured the team that the government would work towards increasing the counterpart fund and the provision of vehicles to the project. He stated that the state under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde, was committed to improving the lives of its citizens and fulfilling its campaign promises to the people. He pledged the state’s continued support to the project.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Mojeeb Mogbonjubola, also expressed appreciation to the Governor for supporting the project with the release of counterpart funds.
The team, on arrival, had visited sites in LAUTECH Ogbomosho, Ibarapa East LGA in Eruwa, Fedomu, and Ayetoro in Olorunsogo LGA in Igbeti, and Ibadan metropolis along the Maje River.
The Oba of Igbeti Land, Oba Bashir Olalekan Abioye Siyanbola IV, while welcoming the team to his palace, said his people were ready and willing to cooperate with the government for the betterment of their lives. He assured the NEWMAP-EIB team that Igbeti land was a secure community, and that they would provide maximum support and security when work commences and assured the team of total ownership at project completion.
The Pro- Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council LAUTECH, Professor Ayodeji Oludare Omole, expressed the university community’s appreciation to the team for the visit saying “Your presence signifies a crucial step towards collaborative efforts in addressing and solving our environmental concerns”.
The Chairman of Olorunsogo LGA, Hon. Olayanju Kazeem who received the NEWMAP -EIB Team during a working visit earlier said he was thankful to the governor for listening to the concerns of Igbeti community and promised to work with government and NEWMAP-EIB for the success of the project.
Chairman of Ibarapa East LGA, Hon. Kazeem Arogundade also thanked the state government for remembering the people of his community and promised utmost cooperation when work commences in the community.
The State Project Coordinator, Bar. Ayoade Adetayo thanked the state governor for providing counterpart funds and for exhibiting high political will; describing it as exemplary leadership that has led the state to be listed as one of the 23 beneficiary states.
The meeting had in attendance, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, other senior government officials, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Environment, FPMU Specialists and Staff of the SPMU.
