FG: Ogun State releases N500m counterpart funding to combat gully erosion
FG: Ogun State releases N500m counterpart funding to combat gully erosion
The National Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Ayuba Yalaks, has confirmed that the Ogun State government has paid N500 million as counterpart funding to address gully erosion in the state.
He explained that the contribution is a key requirement for accessing support funds from the European Investment Bank for approved intervention sites under NEWMAP-EIB. Yalaks made this known on Wednesday in Abeokuta while assessing the state’s level of preparedness.
The Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), alongside the Ogun State Project Management Unit (SPMU) led by Yalaks, inspected several erosion-prone locations, including the Makalewo and Olorunsogo gully sites in Ijebu Ode, the Ojumele gully site in Sagamu, and the Ishakale gully site in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
Speaking after the inspection, Yalaks affirmed that Ogun State is fully prepared to begin interventions, assuring that the federal government and development partners will extend both financial and technical support.
Welcoming the team on behalf of the governor, Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, along with the Commissioners for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, and Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, expressed appreciation for the visit. They emphasized that the payment of counterpart funds reflects the state’s strong commitment to safeguarding citizens from the damaging impact of erosion and flooding.
The State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Ismail Adenuga, stated that the purpose of the visit and inspection was to assess the level of erosion damage, its impact on the environment and surrounding communities, and to develop lasting solutions for the affected sites.
Meanwhile, residents of the impacted areas, including Messrs. Olubajo, Banuso Oyeyinka, Kayode Bello, and Funmilayo Egbeleye, appealed to the government to provide a permanent solution by ensuring proper channeling of floodwaters into designated streams to safeguard lives and property.
