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In furtherance of its commitment to sustainable environmental management, the Oyo State Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project-EIB (OYONEWMAP-EIB) has commenced a comprehensive inspection of storm water management project sites across the State under the Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP–EIB) initiative. The NEWMAP–EIB initiative is a landmark national programme designed to tackle erosion, restore degraded lands, and build climate resilience across Nigeria. The NEWMAP–supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB) project is expected to benefit over 750,000 people nationwide and create more than 25,000 jobs by 2030. Seun Ashamu, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources while speaking at the on-the-spot assessment exercise, said it covered the three Senatorial Districts and was conducted to validate earlier observations as well as evaluate the readiness of the benefiting communities for project implementation. Read also: Erosion: Oyo to benefit from European Investment Bank’s intervention “Oyo State is privileged to be among the few participating states, and we are fully committed to ensuring that these benefits reach our people in tangible and meaningful ways. Through this project, we aim to protect lives and livelihoods, improve flood control and land restoration, reform waste and sanitation systems, and build sustainable, climate-resilient communities across the state”, the Commissioner stated. Ashamu further noted that the NEWMAP–EIB project goes beyond infrastructure development, describing it as a long-term investment in safeguarding the collective future of the people. While emphasising that, under the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, and through the coordination of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, noted that Oyo State is determined to translate the initiative into lasting impact — creating safer, greener, and more resilient communities across the state. He added that the initiative reflects the Makinde administration’s unwavering efforts to reclaim degraded lands, mitigate flooding, and safeguard lives and property across Oyo State. “Erosion remains one of the pressing environmental challenges confronting the nation, Oyo State inclusive. Our visit will help us evaluate the current situation, design more effective solutions, and reaffirm our commitment to building a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Oyo State”. The Commissioner disclosed that the State Government had already taken significant steps toward realizing the project by providing counterpart funding and fulfilling other obligations necessary for its smooth take-off. He added that Oyo State participated actively in the project’s national launch held recently in Abuja, ensuring effective implementation and alignment with the project’s objectives of improving livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience, and protecting the environment. The inspection team, led by Seun Ashamu, alongside Tayo Ayoade, the State Project Coordinator, , and other members of the State Project Management Unit (SPMU), visited several erosion-prone communities and project sites, including: Obananko, Cele Area, Oyo (Oyo West LGA), Fedomu Area, Igbeti (Olorunsogo LGA), Erosion Site within LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Ebu Angelu Area (Atiba LGA), Maje Stream, Oluyole (Ibadan South West LGA) and Aborerin, Eruwa (Ibarapa East LGA) The team was warmly received by community members and local government leaders who expressed delight and anticipation for the project’s commencement. The Commissioner commended their enthusiasm and urged residents to support the government’s environmental initiatives by adopting proper waste disposal practices, refraining from building on waterways, and actively participating in community-based environmental programmes.
