As the Federal Project Management Unit continues to assess states effective readiness, across the 23 states in Nigeria, the National Project Coordinator, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks has called for upscaled counterpart funding from the state governors fund project operational activities, enhance capacity of staff in SPMU’s and conducive work environment for project staff.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Communication Specialist of NEWMAP-EIB, Madina Gertrude and made available to Channel Network Afrique.
According to the statement, Engr. Anda made the call when he led the Federal Project Management Unit team on a courtesy visit to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa at the Government House in Akure, Ondo state.
Engr. Anda revealed that Ondo State is 95 percent ready for the project’s commencement. He however stated that there is need for additional project vehicles and the provision of more counterpart funds for the effective project takeoff and smooth implementation of activities at the state PMU.
The National Project Coordinator also informed His Excellency of the urgent need to revalidate 5 sites out of the 15 approved bankable designs that were initially approved by the world Bank under the closed NEWMAP IDA funded project, in line with the present site conditions.
While commending the governor for his transformative leadership, the National Project Coordinator thanked the governor for appointing the Hon. Oyeniyi Oseni, former SA Environment and Climate Change matters as Hon. Commissioner for Environment.
” This will bring into play his wealth of knowledge and experience is an asset to the Project” he said.
Engr Anda mentioned that despite Ondo State joining the old World Bank funded NEWMAP project late, they successfully completed all projects approved under the IDA funded NEWMAP.
According to the National Project Coordinator, this was a result of high support and political will enjoyed by the project from HE, the authorizing Environment and the commitment and team spirit demonstrated by the staff of the SPMU.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa warmly welcomed the Federal Project Management Unit team to the state.
He mentioned his readiness to collaborate with NEWMAP-EIB. He expressed optimism that all investments will yield significant results that will benefit all.
He appealed to NEWMAP-EIB to give top priority to Ayetoro community as it faces the challenges and menace of coastal Erosion.
The governor assured the team that all request presented to him will be positively attended to.
The National Project Coordinator was accompanied on this courtesy visit by Hon. Commissioner for Environment, the Federal Project Management Unit Staff, the Project Supervisor, and the SPMU staff.
