Makinde Pays Counterpart Funds As Oyo Govt Partners World Bank On NEWMAP Project

The Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde has paid the state government counterpart fund in a World Bank assisted project towards rehabilitation of degraded lands, reduce erosion, as well as climate vulnerability in parts of the state.

This was as the state government said that it is partnering with the World Bank through the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEW MAP) on the project.

The state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abiodun Oni, made this known today at the presentation of tree crops and other equipments to various communities around Oniganbari area of Oluyole local government of the state.

According to the state government, the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) is a World Bank assisted project in collaboration with Oyo State Government.

The main objectives of the project among others include; to rehabilitate degraded lands, reduce erosion and climate vulnerability in targeted area which according to him “invariably improves quality of life, Environment and livelihood.”

The Honourable Commissioner, while delivering his short speech stressed the importance of preserving the environment via deliberate culture of tree planting noting that its positive impact on human habitat could be far reaching for condusive habitation and environmental preservation.

He added that destruction of the forests by cutting down trees for domestic and industrial use without commensurate measures in place to replace the destroyed forests has exposed human beings to the dangers of non availability of the ozone layers which is usually occasioned by adequate availability of trees as well as environmental degradation.

Westernmirror recalled that the Oyo state government few days ago, issued a statement warning residents against disregard for for government directives on environmental pollution and degradation via indiscriminate dumping of refuse on waterways.

The Honourable Commissioner in his deliberate efforts towards raising the awareness on global warming and climate change had last month began a citywide campaign to public schools within Ibadan metropolis starting from Bishop Philip Academy where critical stakeholders converged for the sensitization campaign as well as symbolic tree planting gestures.

The Commissioner, while addressing the residents of Oluyole today however, re-emphasized the need for a deepened government-people relationship to achieve the desired results in its efforts to reduce the impact of climate change and global warming on residents of the state.

Oni also said that the present government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde has paid up the required Counterpart fund that enabled Oyo State to benefit from the program which was spread across selected States in Nigeria.

In his words, “bringing this project to Oyo state, your Community AlabaMarun comprising: Adeaga, Aboloye, Omi Araromi, Balogun and Seriki Adeyinka the adjoining Communities around Gambari forest reserve is being selected today with support to develop and promote availability of tree crops of short rotation for sustainable firewood production at Gambari forest reserve located in your Local Government Oluyole.

“Today farm implements, inputs and other supports to facilitate the planting of the tree crops will be distributed to you.

“This is targeted to improve your lives in all ramifications. Your Honour, can reiterate on other achievements of NEWMAP in the state.”

While commending the Governor for the giant strides taken in his proactiveness towards providing adequate security for lives and properties of residents, Oni urged the selected communities who are beneficiaries of the state government gesture to ensure the tree crops are adequately protected for growth and preserved from human destruction.

“You are therefore, enjoined to make judicious use of the given items to better the lots of your family, your Community and the State at large, while  appreciating His Excellency for the great job he is doing in the State.” Oni concluded.

Source: SunriseBulletin