Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling erosion challenges in the state, pledging to increase counterpart funding if necessary to mitigate the menace.
The Governor made this commitment at his country home, Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, during a visit from the National Project Coordinator of the Nigerian Climate Adaptation and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, and his team.
Governor Otti emphasized that his administration prioritizes environmentally sustainable governance, acknowledging that past neglect has exacerbated current challenges. He cited the recent intervention at the Ovom Street gully erosion site in Aba as an example of proactive governance, noting that he ordered the evacuation of residents and the immediate engagement of experienced contractors to mitigate the damage.
While the NEWMAP team has identified 57 erosion sites in Abia, prioritizing 20 for intervention, Governor Otti expressed concerns that the figures might understate the true scale of the problem. He assured the team of his administration’s readiness to provide all necessary financial and logistical support for the project.
“We can start with 20, but we hope that you will come again so we can nip some of these issues in the bud. I assure you that if additional counterpart funding is required, we will provide it,” the Governor assured.
Governor Otti commended the efforts of the NEWMAP Project Coordinator in Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Ukaegbu, and his team for their dedication in preparing the state for the project’s implementation. He also pledged continued collaboration and support for the NEWMAP-EIB team to ensure successful outcomes.
Earlier, the National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, explained that the purpose of their visit to Abia was to assess erosion sites and ascertain the state’s readiness as one of 23 states benefiting from the NEWMAP-EIB €175 million erosion funding project in Nigeria. He stated that the project, with a five-year duration effective from 2024, aims to reverse land degradation caused by flooding, erosion, and poor watershed management.
“Your Excellency, your approval and release of counterpart funds have set a high standard. Under your leadership, Abia has met all the conditions required for this project. Congratulations,” Engr. Yalaks remarked.
He highlighted the urgent need to address expanding erosion sites that separate communities and threaten livelihoods, attributing the issues to poor road design and inadequate drainage systems. He also called for sustained community engagement to ensure local ownership of the projects.
The NEWMAP Project Coordinator for Abia, Engr. Ikechukwu Ukaegbu, credited Governor Otti’s administration’s unwavering support for the progress achieved thus far and expressed confidence in the state’s readiness to execute the projects effectively.
In his vote of thanks, the Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, applauded Governor Otti for his intentional and consistent efforts in preparing the state for the NEWMAP-EIB projects. He also commended the visiting NEWMAP team for their thorough assessment and endorsement of the state’s readiness.
