Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has successfully met the conditions set by the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the rehabilitation of gully erosion sites in Delta State under the EIB-assisted project.
The National Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Climate Change Adaptation, Erosion, and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Mr. Anda Ayuba-Yalaks, disclosed this during a project assessment visit to the Amachai/Ogbozoma and Vanguard Area Erosion Rehabilitation Sites. The visit was part of Delta State’s preparation for the commencement of the EIB-funded intervention in Nigeria.
Mr. Yalaks, accompanied by the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Tommy Jamani, and the State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Mr. Benedict Nwaokocha, described the erosion sites as severe cases requiring urgent attention.
“These are active and aggressive gully sites. If immediate action is not taken before the end of this rainy season, buildings in the affected areas may collapse,” he warned.
The NEWMAP boss emphasized that the sites had met the key criteria for intervention, including posing a threat to infrastructure, human lives, and the socio-economic well-being of residents. He affirmed that Delta State is now 100% disbursement-ready to access EIB funding, having completed all necessary assessments.
“For a site to qualify, it must be active, threaten infrastructure, endanger lives, and impact the socio-economic activities of the community. These two sites meet all these conditions,” Yalaks explained.
He further noted the devastating impact of the erosion, which has cut off roads and separated communities, making daily life difficult for residents.
Governor Oborevwori’s Commitment to Environmental Protection
The project is set to launch officially in April 2025 in Abuja, with the Honourable Minister of Environment presiding over the event. Yalaks commended Governor Oborevwori for his proactive approach, particularly his payment of ₦1 billion as counterpart funding, which qualified the state for participation in the EIB-assisted initiative.
State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani, lauded the governor’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges, stating that his election promises of ensuring a sustainable environment are already yielding results.
“The governor has prioritized these erosion sites by approving ₦1 billion in counterpart funding and an additional ₦300 million for engineering designs. This is bringing much-needed relief to Okpanam and its residents,” Jamani stated.
He urged residents to support the government’s MORE Agenda and cooperate with contractors when work begins.
Hope for Affected Communities
State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Mr. Benedict Nwaokocha, reaffirmed Delta State’s readiness to implement the EIB-funded project as soon as disbursement is made.
Similarly, Assistant Secretary of the Amachai Landlords Association, Bro. Israel Ohwevwo, expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting that Governor Oborevwori is proving his commitment to the people of Delta State.
“Hope is finally coming to Amachai/Ogbozoma residents. The governor is already justifying the trust Deltans placed in him during the elections,” he remarked.
Lucky Ejobotodo Oyibo
Communication Officer, Delta State NEWMAP-EIB