The Oyo State Government has urged residents to stop open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of waste in streams and waterways, warning that such practices undermine the effectiveness of erosion control measures.
Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Ademola Aderinto, gave the advice on Monday after concluding the final inspection of proposed project sites under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project – European Investment Bank (NEWMAP-EIB) intervention.
A statement from the ministry said the inspected sites included Aborerin Stream in Eruwa (Ibarapa East Local Government Area), Fedomu Stream in Igbeti (Olorunsogo Local Government Area), and erosion sites within Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
The inspection marks the final preparatory step before the NEWMAP-EIB project begins construction across the state.
Aderinto said the intervention would provide long-awaited relief to communities affected by erosion and environmental degradation, confirming that Oyo State has now fulfilled all key requirements for project take-off.
“The sites are located across the three senatorial zones of the state, paving the way for the commencement of construction works,” he said.
He credited the successful completion of preparatory processes to the support of Governor Seyi Makinde, whose administration has prioritised tackling erosion challenges, strengthening climate change adaptation, and advancing environmental sustainability.
Aderinto assured residents of the affected communities that, with all required processes now complete, the NEWMAP-EIB project is set to move into full implementation.
He emphasised the importance of sustained community cooperation to guarantee the project’s success and long-term sustainability.
The commissioner was accompanied on the inspection by Project Coordinator Mr. Tayo Ayoade and members of the Oyo State Project Management Unit (OYO NEWMAP-EIB).
The NEWMAP-EIB initiative is expected to deliver critical erosion control infrastructure, watershed management, and environmental restoration across Oyo State, helping to protect lives, farmlands, and infrastructure from the devastating effects of gully erosion and flooding.
