Kogi state government in collaboration with the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), have reaffirmed commitment to intensify efforts to tackle the menace of erosion across the state.
Commissioner for Environment, Victor Adewale Omofaiye stated this when he led a delegation of the World Bank representatives and NEWMAP team on an assessment tour to some gully sites in Idah, Olamaboro, Okene and Adavi local government areas of Kogi state.
Omofaiye noted that the two- day tour was to have on the spot assessment of the devastating effects on affected areas by erosion and also to inspect the ongoing projects. He stressed that the present administration would give optimum priority to environmental challenges in the state.
The commissioner assured that his ministry would ensure thorough supervision of all ongoing projects due to its direct impact on the masses by improving their well being and bringing succour to erosion victims.
Omofaiye, who solicited for the extension of the laudable NEWMAP projects, reaffirmed the determination of Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration to leave legacies that would inspire the next generation.
He urged stakeholders and communities to give the necessary support to the contractors and create enabling environment for speedy completion of all the ongoing NEWMAP projects across the state.
Speaking during the tour, the task team leader of the World Bank representatives, Dr Amos Abu, expressed concern over the level of work done at some of the sites, especially in the eastern part of the state, and urged the contractors to ensure quality job and expedite action for speedy completion.
Abu described the erosion situation in Ungwa in Idah LGA as devastating and commended the state government for its commitment to the project.
The state project coordinator of NEWMAP, Ladi Jatto, thanked the teams from the World Bank and NEWMAP for their visit and for giving top priority to Kogi state in project execution.
The World Bank and the NEWMAP delegation with the team from the ministry led by the commissioner, also paid courtesy visits to the Attah of Igala, Dr Michael Oboni Ameh II, and the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, in their palaces.
