The Environment Commissioner of Kogi State, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen, has reaffirmed his dedication to collaborating with ACReSAL.
The Commissioner who doubles as the Chairman of the State Steering Committee for ACReSAL, expressed this commitment during a meeting with the ACReSAL project coordinator, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, in his office.
During the meeting, the Project Coordinator commended the Commissioner on his appointment and highlighted the importance of ACReSAL, an initiative focused on Water, Agriculture, and Environment across various sectors and institutions. ACReSAL, a World Bank sponsored project, aims to create a sustainable environment for climate-resilient landscape management in northern Nigeria, particularly in states like Kogi.
The Project Coordinator shared that ACReSAL targets states with semi-arid landscapes, emphasizing the project’s four key components: Dry land Management, Community Climate Resilience, Institutional Strengthening, and Project Management with a Contingency Emergency Response Component.
She explained that the project aligns with the Nigerian government’s goal of restoring 1 million hectares of degraded land out of a broader target of 4 million hectares for landscape restoration.
The goals of the project include reducing land degradation and erosion, increasing vegetative cover, improving agricultural productivity, enhancing water availability, managing pastures effectively, and boosting economic activities for women and vulnerable groups.
The Project Coordinator emphasized the importance of ACReSAL in achieving these objectives and the positive impact it will have on the environment and livelihoods in Kogi State.
In response, the commissioner emphasized the importance of synergy, especially in light of the adverse effects of climate change that are currently impacting the environment, including Kogi.
He commended the Project Coordinator for her prompt visit and orientation, and expressed the Ministry’s willingness to collaborate with ACReSAL.
The meeting included the presentation of the ACReSAL Project Implementation Manual to the Honorable Commissioner, as well as promotional materials and roll-up banners showcasing the project’s goals and the communities it will impact.