joshua
Key stakeholders in NEWMAP line Ministries, Departments and Agencies have been challenged on the need for inter-sectoral synergy for efficient and effective environmental management.
NEWMAP National Project Coordinator, Dr. Salisu Dahiru gave the charge on Wednesday in Abuja at a 3-Day Retreat, tagged: “Institutional Arrangement & The Role Of The State Steering And Technical Committees” organized by the Kogi State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) for members of the State Steering and Technical Committees including critical stakeholders who were drawn from relevant sectors in the state.
Dr. Dahiru emphasised the importance for members of the Committees to carry out their duties in line with stated guidelines in the Project Implementation Manual (PIM).
In his presentation titled, “BRIEF ON INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEWMAP”, Dahiru who referred to intersectoral collaboration as the collective actions involving more than one specialised agency, called for critical synergy in multisectoral actions.
The National Coordinator argued that considering government’s huge investment in the environment sector, it was important for stakeholders to work in synergy to realise the objectives among critical MDAs whose activities impact the environment.
He therefore called on such MDAs to ensure due consultation and collaboration before undertaking any activity.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Victor Adewale Omofaiye said the retreat couldn’t have come at a better time given his recent appoitment and posting as the supervisory commissioner.
Omofaiye, who doubles as the Chairman of the State Steering Committee, expressed confidence in the ability of the retreat to bring him, and other new arrivals, up to speed with the workings and objective of the Project, as well as offer opportunity for members to brainstorm on ways of ensuring the success of the Project in Kogi State.
Hon. Omofaiye commended the State NEWMAP for organising the retreat, and applauded the staff for ensuring the reversal and total mitigation of environmental degradation in the state, thereby changing the narratives.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Kogi State Coordinator of the Project, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto explained that the retreat was organized to enhance and equip the participants with NEWMAP’s activity implementation status, and build synergy for efficient project implementation.
The PC maintained that it had become imperative to organize the event to imbue the new arrivals with the required skills to effectively carry out their fundamental roles as committee members.
According to her, 95% of members of the State Steering and Technical Committees were new, and had little or no knowledge at all of the operations and objective of the NEWMAP, hence the need for the retreat.
She added that the retreat was also intended to instill a sense of Unity, Ownership and Responsibility in members of both Committees, regarded as critical to achieving success.
While appreciating the state government, particularly Gov. Yahaya Bello for the support so far, she prayed that the state would continue to provide the required counterpart funding in the bid to remedy the extensive damage done to the environment.
Barr. Jatto enjoined participants to leverage on the opportunity presented by the retreat to enhance their knowledge of the workings of the project.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Elder Jonah Abutu in his vote of thanks commended the personal commitment and dedication of the Project Co-ordinator, and her staff for their consistency in the implementation of the environmental policy thrust of the Bello administration.
The PS, who also Chairs the State Technical Committee (STC), thanked the team of experts, experienced and seasoned professionals in charge of the Project, adding that their performance and dedication to the vision and mission of the project and indeed their partnership in ensuring that the Kogi environment remains safe is worthy of emulation.
