GOMBE SPMU JOINS 23 STATES AT NEWMAP-EIB JOINT MISSION

…Dr. Shittu Whanda Ja’afaru Leads Gombe Delegation, Targets Model Implementation

The Gombe State Project Management Unit (SPMU) has reaffirmed its commitment to the successful implementation of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation, Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), as the state joined 22 other states for the Joint Mission and Capacity-Building Programme in Kano.

The Gombe delegation was led by the Project Coordinator, Dr. Shittu Whanda Ja’afaru, who joined Communication Officers, HR/Administration Officers, ICT/MIS Officers, GIS Officers, GBV/GRM Officers and Auditors from across the 23 participating states.

Declaring the programme open on behalf of the host, the Kano State Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, described NEWMAP-EIB’s €175 million EIB financing as a major boost toward reducing vulnerability to soil erosion and strengthening climate resilience in targeted sub-watersheds across Nigeria. He noted that the project builds on the institutional and technical foundations established under the earlier World Bank-supported NEWMAP.

The National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, welcomed participants from the 23 states to the second leg of the Mission. He said the training was designed to equip officers with the requisite knowledge and skills to perform optimally and to strengthen institutional capacity, coordination, and effective delivery across all SPMU’s.

Also speaking, the Programmes Manager, African Region, UNOPS, Mr. Donato Serena, said bringing approximately 300 colleagues together offered a key opportunity for training, networking and exchange of experiences. He urged participants to focus on application, not just presentations.

“The success of this training will not be measured by the number of presentations delivered, but by what we are able to apply afterwards,” Serena stressed.

The capacity-building programme placed strong emphasis on enhancing coordination and synergy among the Federal Project Management Unit, SPMUs, and UNOPS to ensure seamless project delivery.

With Gombe SPMU now fully engaged under Dr. Shittu’s leadership, the state is positioning itself to adopt best practices from the Mission and deliver climate-resilient interventions that protect communities, farmlands, infrastructure and livelihoods.

…. Adapting Today, Safeguarding Tomorrow…