Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has allocated a total of ₦1 billion as counterpart funding to combat severe erosion challenges in Amachai, Ogbeozoma, and Vanguard areas within the State Capital Territory.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Tommy Jamani, during the presentation of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project – European Investment Bank (NEWMAP-EIB) engineering designs at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba on Thursday.
In addition to the counterpart fund, Governor Oborevwori has provided an extra ₦300 million for the consultancy required to finalize detailed engineering designs, a crucial step toward securing intervention funds from the European Investment Bank (EIB).
According to Mr. Jamani, this initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to protecting lives and improving living conditions in the affected areas. He emphasized that the engineering design outlines major drainage systems and hydraulic structures needed to address erosion effectively.
NEWMAP State Project Coordinator, Mr. Bennedict Nwaokocha, praised the governor’s decisive action, stating that the intervention positions Delta State among the leading states qualifying for the EIB’s support. He added that once the designs are approved by NEWMAP headquarters in Abuja, project implementation will commence immediately.
Hon. Frank Esenwa, Member representing Oshimili North in the Delta State House of Assembly, expressed gratitude to the governor for prioritizing erosion control in Okpanam, his constituency.
The event, attended by key stakeholders including Chief Patrick Ukah, Director General of the Asaba Capital Territory Development Agency, provided a platform for meaningful contributions toward the project’s success.
Delta State’s proactive efforts reaffirm its commitment to addressing environmental challenges and safeguarding its communities from erosion-related crises.