News – Page 2 – NEWMAP-EIB

Recognition for Excellence: Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks Honored for Exceptional Performance

Webmaster / March 17, 2025

The National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks NIAE,FNAH, FNIWE, has received a prestigious award for his outstanding leadership and dedication to driving the NEWMAP-EIB project forward. Presented by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu, Thursday, on behalf of the Anambra State Government, this award celebrates Engr. Yalaks’ tireless efforts in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development. The National Project Coordinator (NPC) reaffirms NEWMAP-EIB’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development in the state. Present during the presentation were the National Project Coordinator (NEWMAP-EIB), Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks (3rd from L), Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu, Anambra State Honourable Commissioner for Environment, (2nd from L), The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment, Mr Tochukwu Obdogha (1st from R) and Delta State Project Coordinator, Prof. Phillip O. Phil-Eze (1st from L)

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Delta State Receives Commendation for ₦1 Billion Counterpart Fund Contribution to NEWMAP-EIB

manager / March 17, 2025

The National Project Coordinator, NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks has commended the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led administration for approval and release of the sum of one billion naira to the counterpart fund account demonstrating the highest level of political will to tackle environmental challenges in the state. This he said has secured the state as one of the 23 beneficiary states for European Investment bank intervention. ” It is an example of what we are expecting from our Authorizing environments” he said. Engr. Yalaks made this known when he led the Federal Project Management Unit delegation on a courtesy visit to the Office of the Secretary to the State Govt of Delta state, Dr. Kingsley Emu on Friday in Asaba, Delta State. He also confirmed that after conducting an assessment of the prioritized sites which are currently active, aggressive, a threat to infrastructural development, and a threat to lives, they are therefore considered as candidate sites in line with the conditions precedence of the European Investment Bank intervention. ” They are sites to invest in and have met the conditions precedence, Delta State has met all by 100%”. Welcoming the FPMU delegation, the SSG, Dr. Kingsley Emu highlighted some notable achievements under the NEWMAP phase 1, such as the Owanta erosion and stormwater management project in Ika North East and Obomkpa and Ukwu-Nzu Erosion Sites in Aniocha North Local Government Area, which he said, followed due process of project specifications. Dr. Emu appealed to NEWMAP- EIB for a replica of this success in other ongoing projects in the state. He assured the NEWMAP-EIB FPMU delegation of the Delta State government’s unwavering support in ensuring a safe environment and resilience to the impact of climate change. Earlier, in his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro revealed that the promises of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the people of Okpanam community during his election campaigns have begun to yield positive results in the community following the approval of the Amachai/Ogbozoma and Vanguard Area Erosion Sites for intervention. Hon. Jamani reiterated the state government’s resolve to extend the NEWMAP- EIB project to other communities ravaged by erosion. “This move aims to secure and sustain the environment in Delta state” he said. Present at the meeting were the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Minnie Oseji, State Project Coordinator, Mr. Benedict Nwaokocha, NEWMAP- EIB Specialist Staff, amongst other top government officials.

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Press Release: Gov. Otu Recieves NEWMAP-EIB Delegation, Pledges Full Support to Tackle gully Erosion in C’River.

[email protected] / March 3, 2025

Gov. Otu Recieves NEWMAP-EIB Delegation, Pledges Full Support to Tackle gully Erosion in C’River. The Cross River Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has pledged his full support to the Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) in its effort to combat gully erosion in the state. Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made the pledge at the Government House, Calabar, on Friday, during a courtesy visit by the Federal Project Management Team, led by the National Project Coordinator, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks. He acknowledged the intervention made by Cross River State NEWMAP phase 1 and thanked the team for continuing from where they stopped. He pledged the state government’s support for the project, underscoring its significance to the preservation of livelihoods of the people who would have otherwise been adversely affected by fully erosion, as seen in the destruction of farmlands. The visit was part of the Cross River State Scoping Mission aimed at assessing the state’s readiness to participate in the project and draw funding from the European Investment Bank. The mission objective is to evaluate the state’s effective readiness, as a crucial step towards disbursement and project implementation take off. The visit also demonstrates the project’s commitment to collaboration and stakeholders’ engagement towards ensuring the successful implementation of NEWMAP-EIB in the state. The National Project Coordinator was accompanied on the visit by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses John Osogi, the State Project Coordinator, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo and Staff of the State Project Management Unit. Highlight of the visit was a special moment of recognition, where the Deputy Governor presented a plaque to the National Project Coordinator (NPC) for outstanding performance. This gesture acknowledges the NPC’s exceptional work and dedication to the Project.

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CROSS RIVER: Governor Lauds NEWMAP-EIB for combating Soil Erosion in the country.

[email protected] / February 27, 2025

The Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) Federal Project Management Team, led by Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, was on a visit to the Cross River State, where they were received by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Hon.Moses John Osogi , thereafter the team paid a courtesy call to HE, the Executive Governor of the State ably represented by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, RT. Hon. Peter A. Odey, at the government house, Calabar, Cross River State. This visit was part of the Cross River State Scoping Mission, aimed at accessing the state’s readiness to participate in the project and draw funding from the European Investment Bank loan. The Mission objective is to evaluate the state’s effective readiness, as a crucial step towards disbursement and project implementation take off. The highlight of the visit was a special moment of recognition, where the Deputy Governor presented a plaque to the National Project Coordinator (NPC) for outstanding performance. This gesture acknowledges the NPC’s exceptional work and dedication to the project. Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks was accompanied by Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, the Cross River State Project Coordinator, the FPMU Specialist staff and staff of the SPMU. The visit demonstrates the project’s commitment to collaboration and stakeholders’engagement towards ensuring project successful implementation of NEWMAP-EIB in the State.

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PRESS RELEASE: NEWMAP-EIB Project Set for Launch as Environment Minister Receives Briefing on Disbursement Readiness.

manager / February 25, 2025

The National Project Coordinator (NPC) of the European Investment Bank assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks on Wednesday, briefed the Honorable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal on the disbursement readiness status of the project. The briefing, which took place at the Ministry of Environment, marked a significant milestone towards the launch of the project. The NPC while briefing the Minister, provided an update on the project’s preparation, highlighting the progress made in meeting the conditions precedence (CPs) for disbursement. The project aims to address the issues of land degradation in a targeted subwatershed, improve the livelihood of communities affected by erosion, enhance food security, and promote environmental resilience for sustainable development. “This trajectory will transition the project to the next phase, which involves its official launch and declaration of its effectiveness by the Honorable Minister for Environment and Chairman of the National Steering Committee of an agreed date and venue. This important event will have the participation of the states, Federal MDAs, UNOPS, EIB, some selected NEWMAP-EIB Champion Governors, Federal Ministry of Finance, Representation from the National Assembly by the relevant various committees on Environment” he said. The Honourable Minister for Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far commended the project team for their hard work, and further assured the team of the Ministry’s support towards actualizing and achieving the Project Development Objectives ( PDO) and it’s set out targets. He emphasized the importance of the project in addressing the pressing issues of soil erosion and other forms of land degradation in Nigeria. He further charged the NEWMAP-EIB Team to intensify sensitization on the project’s objectives and goals through aggressive publicity, Stakeholders and Community engagements and mobilization. The Representative of European Investment Bank, Moussa Nakoulima, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the Honorable Minister, for his support. While highlighting on the role of the NEWMAP-EIB team, he reiterated that the project has met all conditions precedence for disbursement by the EIB. He also disclosed that the first disbursement which is expected in no distant time will be 10% of the total EIB financing. With the attainment of the condition readiness for disbursement now, the project is set to be launch. The launch will mark the beginning of the project implementation, which will include infrastructural investment in the areas of gully erosion control, flood water management, and other forms of land degradation will be implemented using the watershed management approach for sustainable development. The meeting had in attendance, the Honorable Minister for Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, some Technical Directors of the Ministry, the National Project Coordinator, NEWMAP-EIB team, the Representative of EIB, the Director of Information of the Ministry and the Minister’s Support Staff.

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PHOTO NEWS: Brief with Environment Minister and EIB

manager / February 25, 2025

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NEWMAP-EIB, FCTA, to explore collaborative opportunities for environmental sustainability

[email protected] / February 14, 2025

In a move to explore collaborative opportunities for environmental sustainability, the National project Coordinator NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks NIAE, FNAH, FNIWE on Wednesday 12th February 2025, played host to delegation of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) led by the Director Planning Dr. Haruna Umar. The FCTA representatives who were on a courtesy visit expressed interest in collaboration and partnership with NEWMAP-EIB. Given the challenges of land degradation and erosion affecting the FCT and environs, the mandate secretary & NEWMAP-EIB collaboration is key as it will leverage collective efforts in addressing the environmental challenges and further drive sustainable development. Dr. Haruna Umar who led the delegation, expressed optimism that with NEWMAP-EIB’s proven record of success in addressing environmental challenges, this partnership will strengthens efforts in sustainable land management and environmental restoration in the Federal Capital Territory, which falls under the FCTA’s Agricultural, Water and Environmental sectors. The meeting had in attendance, the National project Coordinator NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks NIAE, FNAH, FNIWE, Mr Haruna Umar (Director Planning FCTA), Dr Fortune Onwumere (DD forestry FCTA) and the NEWMAP-EIB Specialist Staff.

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NEWMAP-EIB STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH UNOPS

Webmaster / February 9, 2025

On Thursday, 30th January 2025, the National Project Coordinator, NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, NIAE, FNAH, FNIWE presided over a meeting which had the United Nations Office for Project Services(UNOPS) representatives in attendance. Mr. Houcen Agrebe , Head of Operations in Dakar , Senegal who led the delegation stated that their mission in Nigeria is to brief the FPMU senior leadership changes taking place within the UNOPS. The meeting had in attendance all Specialists of the FPMU.

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GOMBE STATE SCOPING MISSION

Webmaster / February 3, 2025

At the Gombe State College of Education where the academic community is in dire need of intervention due to soil erosion and land degradation, the FPMU Team was received by the Provost, Dr. Bertha Audu Danja As soil erosion and land degradation continue to ravage the Batari community in Kumo, Akko LGA, Gombe State, NEWMAP-EIB team is on a mission to put smiles on their faces again. By tackling the issues of soil erosion by strengthening the community’s resilience and support livelihoods initiatives for sustainable development. NEWMAP-EIB Team assessing sites in Garin-Batari, Kumo in Gombe State. Federal Project Management Unit continues its scoping mission to Wuro Biriji-Doma gully/stream bank erosion site, Bomala, Ungwan Uku communities within Gombe State in a bid to strengthen climate resilience, support livelihoods and promote sustainable development. FPMU Team continues to assess gully erosion sites within Arawa, Akko LGA Gombe State. The FPMU Team visited gully erosion sites in Kalaku, Kaltungo LGA, Gombe State. Aya-Kaleh Communities in Kaltungo LGA are excited that they are being targeted for actions to improve their livelihood activities and reduce soil erosion in the environment,

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NEWMAP-EIB STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH UNOPS TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Webmaster / February 1, 2025

CAPTION: The National Project Coordinator NEWMAP-EIB, Engr Anda Ayuba Yalaks NIAE FNAH FNIWE (L), Houcen Agrebe (Head of Operations UNOPS)(R), Hazel Natukinda (Project Manager) (M). The National Project Coordinator, Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Engr Anda Ayuba Yalaks, has reaffirmed the project’s commitment to environmental restoration and resilience for Nigeria’s sustainable development. In a meeting held on Friday with the representatives of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Abuja, he stated that the project has only two components which are (1)Erosion and Watershed Infrastructural Investment (2) Project Management, which will give technical assistance where necessary to ensure effective project delivery to achieve the desired project development objective(PDO). During the meeting, Engr. Anda stated that the project intends to approach Implementation using the Watershed Management approach, which is a holistic approach. “Tackling the issue of erosion, focusing on mitigation, flooding, and land degradation will tackle the problem at the onset, it will also be cheaper and cost-effective, ” he said. Providing updates on the project, he said the project will deal with environmental restoration aimed at restoring the environment and to develop the resilience of the environment with regard to the impact of climate change. “it will be a project that will involve stakeholders and community engagement, strengthening the community’s resilience, support livelihoods initiatives for the sustainability of infrastructural investments’ he said. Engr. Anda, further reiterates: “When the people are in the center arm on the driving seat the seat of the ordeal, they will also learn lessons on how to continuously tackle issues of land degradation and as a result of that, whatever is being put in place will be sustained by teaching them simple maintenance tips. He commended the United Nations Office for Project Services ( UNOPS) for deeming it fit to come to Nigeria to brief the FPMU of the ongoing restructuring in UNOPS. He also expressed optimism that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government of Nigeria and UNOPS will be signed in no distant time. This will result in declaring the project disbursement effective. Mr. Houcen Agrebe, Head of Operations in Dakar, Senegal, stated that their mission in Nigeria is to brief the FPMU of the changes that have taken place within the UNOPS within the management structure of UNOPS within the African Continent. He disclosed that it is a restructuring for efficiency within the UNOPS. Ms Ifeoma Monwuba, the outgoing Director/Representative of UNOPS, Ghana Multi- Country Office will be replaced by Sylvia Gario as the incoming Director. He also mentioned that these changes are only in the senior leadership positions and specific in Africa, adding that the office which formerly was located in Ghana covered only Anglophone countries but now has been expanded to cover the Francophone countries. He further added that there is no change in the agreement deal. The Nigeria office will be interfacing with the UNOPS office in Dakar, Senegal and he will be supervising the implementation of the project once the service level agreement is signed as well as the project manager, based in Abuja. The meeting was attended by National Project Coordinator NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, Houcen Agrebe (Head Of Operations UNOPS) Hazel Natukunda ( Project Manager Abuja Office), and all FPMU Specialists Staff.