Baskadia

Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has reiterated his administration’s dedication to addressing environmental degradation and related challenges.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made this pledge during a courtesy visit by the Federal Management Project Team of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-EIB) at the Government House in Calabar on Thursday.

Deputy Governor Odey expressed concern over the severe environmental degradation the state has faced in recent years, particularly soil erosion, which has led to loss of lives, livelihoods, and property.

He emphasized the state’s commitment to providing effective environmental solutions, stating, “Cross River State will fully support the success of this project. We will offer our unwavering support and ensure its implementation to the fullest.”

Odey further highlighted the state’s vulnerability to environmental challenges, saying, “Cross River State has been significantly impacted by environmental threats. We are determined to do everything within our power to mitigate these effects and protect the lives and well-being of our citizens.”

Earlier, the National Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, commended the state government for its readiness to collaborate with NEWMAP. He noted that Cross River State has met all prerequisites for the successful kick off of the project in the state. Engr. Yalaks explained that the team was in the state to assess the status of ongoing erosion projects and reaffirmed NEWMAP-EIB’s commitment to working closely with the Cross River State Government (CRSG) to address environmental challenges such as flood management and gully erosion through innovative scientific solutions.

Expressing concern over the escalating impacts of climate change and gully erosion, the National Project Coordinator revealed that six project sites have already been completed. He emphasized the need to adapt site dynamics in terms of scale and scope, assuring that all interventions would adhere to international best practices.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, disclosed that the state has released 500 million naira as counterpart funding for the second phase of the NEWMAP-EIB intervention program. He also mentioned that the state is leveraging funding from the European Investment Bank to support the initiative.

Deputy Governor's Press Unit, Government House, Calabar

Published by: Ettah Emmanuel O.

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