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The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has officially launched the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) Kogi State, a World Bank assisted project.
NEWMAP says it has intervened in eight gully erosion sites in the first phase of its work in Kogi State. The sites include Omigbo River Channelisation in Kabba-Bunu, Ogane-Aji in Dekina, Etahi and Agassa sites in Okene, Ozuri in Adavi, Akpa erosion site, Ugwolawo in Ofu, and Ogugu in Olamaboro Local Government Area.
Governor Bello called on the people of the state to put aside their differences and join hands with his leadership as the most imperative issue is the development of Kogi State, noting that his administration is not out to play politics with the welfare of the people but to attract projects that will have direct bearing on the lives of the people.
While declaring the release of a hundred million naira as additional counter part fund to the World Bank to enable the state benefit from the implementation of the project in Kogi state, he said the project is a collaborative effort between the World Bank and the Kogi State Government, hence the need for government to fulfill its obligation of payment of counterpart funds adding that the project will work to entrench proactive measures that will curb erosion challenges in some parts of the state.
According to him, the objectives of NEWMAP project aligns perfectly with the New Direction government to ensure that solutions are proffered to all the challenges faced by the people in all sectors, preserve our environment saying that the present administration under his leadership is in a hurry to develop Kogi State.
The Governor stressed the need for the management of the project to expedite action to ensure that all the areas affected by erosion in the state get the needed intervention to avoid environmental disaster as the only language the government under his leadership understands is action and a holistic approach to solving problems.
The project would take a comprehensive Watershed Management approach coupled with an investment focus on gully erosion prevention and rehabilitation.
Speaking at the occasion, the NEWMAP project Cordinator Kogi State, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, said that Kogi State has been faced with the problem of Erosion and land degradation resulting from heavy rainfall, our hilly topography and loose soil in the eastern part of the State.
She commended Gov Yahaya Bello on the additional counter part fund and promised to ” advance the new direction policy with the greatest vigor and discharge her duty with credit and she promised to live by it “she said. She also thanked him for his love for a healthy environment she finally applauded the School Children and assured them of a better environment ” we are holding the environment in trust for the future generation and we must be ready to hand over a habitable environment to you” she said
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