NEWMAP-EIB WRAPS UP JOINT MISSION IN KANO WITH CALL FOR ACTION

…Engr. Anda Yalaks Inspects Sessions, Charges Participants on Application of New Skills

The Gombe State Project Management Unit (SPMU) has participated during the conclusion of 3-day NEWMAP-EIB Joint Mission and Capacity-Building Workshop in Kano, with a strong commitment to translate lessons learnt into concrete climate action across Gombe State.

The workshop, which drew participants from 23 states, ended on 9th, September, 2026, with the National Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation, Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, inspecting all discipline-specific sessions and charging participants to move from training to implementation.

Engr. Yalaks visited the groups for Communications, HR/Admin, ICT/MIS, GIS, Audit, and GBV/GRM, commending facilitators and participants for their active engagement. He reminded officers that the €175 million EIB financing is tied to results on the ground.

“We have spent three days building capacity. The real test starts now. I charge every SPMU to go back and apply these tools immediately. Let us ensure coordination, accountability, and timely delivery in all our sub-watersheds,” Engr. Yalaks stated.

Gombe Delegation Consolidates Learning
Led by the Gombe SPMU Project Coordinator, Dr. Shittu Whanda Ja’afaru, the Gombe delegation participated fully in the final day’s wrap-up, reflection, and action-planning sessions.

Key highlights from the wrap up plenary include:
– Communications Officers finalized media engagement protocols and crisis communication plans to ensure timely and transparent public information during project implementation.
– ICT/MIS Officers completed modules on data security and digital reporting, and developed a plan to strengthen the Gombe SPMU MIS dashboard for real-time monitoring.
– GIS Officers presented draft watershed maps and discussed the use of satellite imagery for monitoring gully erosion hotspots in Gombe.
– Audit & Finance Officers reviewed compliance checklists and internal control mechanisms to safeguard project funds and ensure value for money.
– GBV/GRM Officers finalized the state’s framework for handling grievances and survivor-centered response, in line with UNOPS standards.
– HR & Admin Officers developed a workplan for improved records management and staff performance tracking within the SPMU.

The 3-day Mission emphasized synergy between the FPMU, SPMUs, and UNOPS to strengthen institutional capacity for effective delivery of NEWMAP-EIB interventions.

…Adapting Today, Safeguarding Tomorrow