From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
The World Bank has expressed its resolve to partner with the 19 states that have keyed into the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to save lives of residents in erosion prone areas across the federation.
Senior Human Resource/Business Partner, Central and West Africa in the World Bank, Mr. Chude Ezinwa gave the assurance in Asaba during the opening ceremony of a one week training programme for NEWMAP states project management unit.
Ezinwa commended Delta State Government for paying up its start up and counterpart funds of N30 million and N500 million respectively, noting that other states were already keying into the project.
He said the World Bank would pay premium on states that deliver on the project, adding that the training programme was to meet the needs of all the participating states to ensure proper management of finances meant for the project.
Commissioner for Environment in Delta State, Mr. John Nani reiterated the resolve of the state government to support NEWMAP and ensure the success of its projects in the state.
Nani said the training programme was to equip participants with modern skills and knowledge that would manifest in prompt delivery of the project in record time in the participating states.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Nkem Ajufo, the commissioner said the project was advancing to the technical and managerial implementation stage.
He urged participants from the various states to take advantage of the training to acquire knowledge that would be brought to bear on the project in the respective states.
National Coordinator, Mrs. Ruth Mshelia and the Delta State Coordinator, Mr. Isaac Ufiofio said the programme was to expose the participating states to what the project was all about.