By, Olawale Ogunbusola

The Oyo State Government has concluded the final inspection of proposed project sites under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project- European Investment Bank (NEWMAP-EIB) intervention across the three senatorial zones of the state, paving the way for the commencement of construction works.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, who led the inspection team, described the exercise as the final stage in the assessment of locations selected for the intervention, adding that the state has now met the key requirements for the take-off of the project.

According to him, the intervention will bring long-awaited relief to communities grappling with erosion and environmental degradation.

He noted that the successful completion of the preparatory processes was made possible through the commitment and support of the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, whose administration has prioritised tackling erosion challenges, strengthening climate change adaptation, and improving environmental sustainability across the state.

Hon. Aderinto assured residents of the affected communities that with the completion of all required processes, the NEWMAP-EIB project is set to move into the implementation phase.

During the inspection, the Commissioner and members of the team interacted with residents and community stakeholders in the project-affected areas.

Many expressed appreciation to the state government and shared their hopes that the intervention would bring lasting solutions to the environmental challenges confronting their communities.

He also emphasised the need for sustained community cooperation to ensure the success and long-term sustainability of the project.

The Commissioner further advised residents to desist from practices such as open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of refuse, especially around streams and waterways, noting that such activities undermine environmental safety and could weaken the impact of erosion control efforts.

Sites inspected during the visit included Aborerin Stream in Eruwa (Ibarapa East Local Government Area), Fedomu Stream in Igbeti (Olorunsogo Local Government Area), and erosion sites within Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

The inspection exercise forms part of the concluding activities ahead of the commencement of the NEWMAP-EIB intervention project across the state.

The Commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the Project Coordinator, Barr. Tayo Ayoade, and members of the Oyo State Project Management Unit (OYO NEWMAP-EIB).