By Victoria Okpanachi
In a significant step towards enhancing climate resilience, the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) in Kogi State, backed by the World Bank and National Project team, has set a benchmark in project quality and efficiency, as seen from the recently conducted on-site mission to review project progress and further solidify support for vulnerable communities across the State.
The team led by Dr. Joy Agene, paid a courtesy visit to the state government to ensure continuous collaboration and support in order to achieve the objectives of the project.
During the visit, the Executive Governor of the State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, welcomed the ACReSAL delegation, expressing his commitment to the initiative.
He affirmed that his administration’s priority is the well-being of all citizens, highlighting that the partnership with the World Bank aligns closely with the state’s development objectives.
“This administration is dedicated to ensuring every resident benefits from our democratic dividends,” Governor Ododo stated, reinforcing his vision of inclusivity and progress for all.
On her part, the Task Team Lead, Dr. Agene, lauded the Governor for being people oriented.
According to her, he is a Governor with the kindest of hearts. She said his administration has greatly impacted the lives of Kogites, while adding that ACReSAL is glad to enjoy the level of support from his administration.
Dr. Agene explained that the initiative is actively working in 19 States, but Kogi State has set a high standard in terms of project quality and timely execution.
She emphasised ACReSAL’s readiness to extend further support through the Community Revolving Fund (CRF).
According to her, the CRF promotes transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability, with a particular focus on empowering women and strengthening community commitment.
She said that Kogi is set to empower more communities through the CRF, while praising the Kogi ACReSAL team for ensuring that local communities fully grasp and embrace these principles for a better future.
Barrister Ladi Jatto, the Project Coordinator, emphasised that the ACReSAL team is dedicated to bringing relief and improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities.
According to her, the success in Kogi would not have been possible without the strong support from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
She credited his commitment as a driving force behind the efficient implementation of ACReSAL projects across the state.
The team also visited Kabba, where they met with HRM, the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi. The traditional ruler has played an influential role in fostering community alignment with ACReSAL’s goals.
HRM, Oba Owoniyi, expressed his gratitude for the support extended to rural communities facing environmental challenges, thanking the team for their dedication.
He appreciated the team for their role in ensuring that things are better for people living in rural communities who are faced with climatic challenges.
The Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engineer Olusegun Joseph, commended the royal father for his continuous support to the previous and present administration.
He said his commitment to the government, has brought good governance closer to the people of Kabba, and pledged government’s continuous support to enhancing the lives of people especially those in the rural communities.
Beneficiaries of the project, including Obafemi Bola and Adeboye Esther, shared how the projects have transformed their lives, enabling them to contribute financially to their families.
The team was impressed by the standard of work ongoing at the channelisation at Omigbo erosion site in Kabba and the impact the projects and the CRF are making on the beneficiaries in the state.
Kogi ACReSAL’s initiatives are steadily making a lasting impact, supporting vulnerable communities in building a more resilient and prosperous future.
