By Victoria Okpanachi
The World Bank, in partnership with the National Project Team, has commended the Kogi State Government for successfully achieving the development goals of Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) Project in the State.
This was disclosed during the visit of both teams to the state on the implementation Support Mission during the week.
The team led by Dr. Agene Joy, the World Bank Task Team Leader, Special Implementation Support Program and Dr. Abdulhamid Umar, National Project Coordinator, are currently in the state to access the level of compliance with ACReSAL development objectives.
While interacting with the World Bank team, the Commissioner of Environment and Ecological Management, Engineer Olusegun Joseph, said the state is ever ready to ensure robust participation, while promising government’s collaboration to ensure that success is attained in the project.
He reiterated government’s support and commitment to the team, stating that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is project-driven.
He appreciated the team for the support that is being enjoyed by the State and World Bank, noting that they will continue to take the lead in ensuring that the state harnesses all the benefits that ACReSAL project intends to bring to the state.
During the visit to the palace of Ejeh of Ankpa, His Royal Highness, Abubakar Ahmed Yakubu, Dr. Agene who led her team, stressed the role of traditional rulers in ensuring the success of such projects.
While on the tour, Dr. Agene, visited the channelisation and rehabilitation of Ankpa gully erosion site at Olubojo, and 60HA tree planting at Ofejiji forest which is intended to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change.
She expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing ACReSAL projects at Ankpa, while urging the contractors to expedite completion.
Also, Dr. Abdul Hamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, while speaking with The Graphic, rated the project as world class standard.
He stated that the project meets the standard, specifications and quality that is usually seen in all World Bank projects.
In her remarks, the Project Coordinator, Kogi State ACReSAL, Barrister Ladi Jatto, said ACReSAL Implementation Support Mission is in Kogi State for a Special Support Mission.
She disclosed that the visit would enable the team to see what has been done, guide and offer support after reviewing the project implementation in the State.
This, she noted, is to enable the State ACReSAL do better and ensure that it follows the project development objectives.
Barr. Ladi appreciated the Governor for the timely payment of counterpart funding. She equally praised the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph as a dependable ally and strong support system who has made the activities of ACReSAL successful in the State.
The Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area, Honourable Ademu Yahaya, promised to ensure proper protection at the completion of the projects.
He thanked the team for their support and partnership.
Some of the beneficiaries like Dr. B. Y. Dangana, Mr. Sunday Onogu, Samuel Yahaya and Suke Emmanuel, all appreciated the efforts of World Bank and ACReSAL in ensuring that their lives are better and devoid of climatic challenges.
