Oyo Moves To Tackle Flooding, Erosion, As OYONEWMAP Launches Statewide Project Inspection

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 statewide on-the-spot assessment exercise, covering the three (3) senatorial zones was conducted to validate earlier observations and evaluate the readiness of the benefiting communities for project implementation.

Speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr. (Hon) Seun Ashamu, described the NEWMAP–EIB as a landmark national programme designed to tackle erosion, restore degraded lands, and build climate resilience across Nigeria. Supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), the project is expected to benefit over 750,000 people nationwide and create more than 25,000 jobs by 2030.

“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.”

Barrister 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. He emphasized that, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, and through the coordination of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, 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 has 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 Barrister Seun Ashamu, alongside the State Project Coordinator, Barrister Tayo Ayoade, 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)

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.

E-signed:

Mrs. Bukola Bakare,

Comm. Officer OYONEWMAP.