By Victoria Okpanachi
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has been recognised for his commitment to the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, especially through his timely release of counterpart funding.
This was disclosed during a visit by a joint team from the World Bank and National team led by Dr. Joy Agene and Dr. Abdul Hamid Umar to Okene during the week where they reviewed the progress of various ACReSAL initiatives.
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The team expressed satisfaction with the implementation of these projects and commended Governor Ododo’s proactive efforts to ensure their success.
They visited the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM, Alhaji Ahmed Anaje, who was ably represented by the Ohi of Adavi, HRM Muhammad Bello, who lauded the administration of Gov. Ododo for putting the well-being of the people first.
According to traditional ruler, ACReSAL projects have brought relief to the people of the community facing climatic challenges. He pledged that under his reign, projects that are of great importance to his people will be protected and utilised effectively.
In her speech, Dr. Agene described the ongoing implementation of ACReSAL projects in the State as one that deserves commendation, while expressing satisfaction with the preliminary result, and urged the State Government to sustain the development.
She highlighted the positive impact and strict adherence to World Bank standards in the project implementation, urging the state government and local communities to maintain and protect these investments.
“The funds invested in these projects are loans, so it is crucial for the community to take ownership, ensure sustainability, and protect these assets,” she emphasised.
While at the channelisation and rehabilitation site at Etahi, the National Project Coordinator, Dr. Umar, reiterated the importance of community involvement, urging the residents of Etahi to protect the ACReSAL projects as a sign of appreciation for the government’s efforts to improve their quality of life.
He stressed that the projects are world class and have the standard that is seen in all World Bank projects.
Engineer Umolu Chinedu, Co-Task Team Lead, who also spoke, reminded the community members and beneficiaries of the Community Revolving Fund (CRF), stating that the funds are loans that will repaid by them and stressed the importance of safeguarding these projects.
He urged them to be prudent so other members can benefit when the repay their own.
Kogi State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jatto, also addressed community members, encouraging them to take pride in the projects and safeguard them for future benefit.
She expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for his consistent support, including a recent N600 million release for resettlement and project management purposes.
Barr. Ladi credited the Governor’s commitment as an extension of the groundwork laid by his predecessor, former Governor Yahaya Bello.
During the visit, beneficiaries of ACReSAL’s dry-season farming and other initiatives, including a Cassava Processing factory run by a CRF group, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s support.
