The Oyo State Government has completed the final inspection of sites selected for intervention under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), signaling a major step toward the commencement of construction.

The exercise, led by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, covered the state’s three senatorial districts and marked the concluding phase of the project’s site evaluation process.

Aderinto said the inspection confirmed that Oyo State has fulfilled all conditions required to begin the implementation stage of the project. He highlighted that the initiative is aimed at providing relief to communities severely affected by erosion and environmental degradation.

The commissioner credited the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his administration’s consistent commitment to environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and erosion control across the state.

“With all preparatory procedures now complete, the NEWMAP-EIB intervention is ready to move into its construction and implementation phase,” he said.

During the tour, Aderinto and the project team engaged with residents and community leaders in the affected areas, who expressed gratitude to the state government and optimism that the intervention would address the environmental challenges confronting their communities.

The commissioner emphasised the critical role of community participation in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the project.

He also cautioned residents against activities that could worsen environmental problems, such as open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of refuse near streams and waterways.

Inspection visits included Aborerin Stream in Eruwa (Ibarapa East LGA), Fedomu Stream in Igbeti (Olorunsogo LGA), and erosion-prone sites within Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.

The exercise forms part of the final preparatory steps ahead of the official launch of the NEWMAP-EIB project in Oyo State.

Aderinto was accompanied by the Project Coordinator, Barr. Tayo Ayoade, and members of the Oyo State Project Management Unit overseeing the programme.