Oyo State has been included in a list of 23 Nigerian states that will receive support from the European Investment Bank as part of their efforts to address erosion and land degradation through the Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project.

The intervention, facilitated via an EIB-supported program, forms a significant part of a larger endeavor aimed at tackling the effects of climate change and enhancing environmental resilience throughout Nigeria.

The National Project Coordinator for the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, Anda Ayuba Yalaks, made this statement on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy call to Governor Seyi Makinde at the governor’s office in Ibadan.

Yalaks headed the team from the Federal Project Management Unit on a fact-finding trip to evaluate Oyo State’s preparedness for initiating the project.

On Wednesday, a declaration issued by the Ministry of Information and Orientation, through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Bukola Bakare, highlighted that the visit serves as an essential phase for the distribution and execution of the project.

“The federal government has launched the Climate Adaptation: Erosion and Watershed program, which follows the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management initiative, aiming to tackle land degradation within specific sub-watersheds, enhance living conditions, and boost environmental resilience for long-term sustainability,” stated Yalaks.

The project receives backing from the European Union and is supervised by the FPMU, with execution carried out by the 23 involved countries, inclusive of the mentioned state.

Yalaks commended the Oyo State Government for meeting crucial requirements needed for inclusion, such as approving and disbursing a N500 million matching fund. This move ensured the state’s qualification for EIB financing.

“I’m pleased to inform you that the state has fulfilled all of the legitimate requirements necessary to secure the funding,” he stated.

After evaluating the sites chosen by the state government, Yalaks observed that areas presenting significant risks to people and infrastructure were recognized and sanctioned as potential sites consistent with the EIB’s requirements.

Representing Governor Makinde, the Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal welcomed the delegation and reiterated the state’s dedication to the initiative, highlighting its significance for Oyo’s progress towards sustainability.

“We are already embarked on this path, and it’s a journey with no turning back; all the requirements you have asked for from us as the state government will be met. It is crucial that we focus further on making this collaboration effective,” asserted Lawal.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, also spoke, praising Governor Makinde for his forward-thinking leadership, particularly in choosing key erosion-vulnerable locations.

He pointed out that the key sites encompass regions in Eruwa, Igbeti, and Ibadan. Additionally, he highlighted the significant issue of gully erosion at Ladoke Akintola University in Ogbomoso, which presents a major risk to current infrastructure projects.

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