By Mariam Adams
In a strategic move to enhance environmental resilience and drive sustainable rural development in the state, the Steering and Technical Committees of the Kogi State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project recently embarked on a three-day inspection tour of project intervention sites across the state.
led by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun who doubles as the Chairman State Steering Committee (SSC), the inspection team visited Okene, Ankpa, and Kabba with multiple intervention sites that cut across water harvesting systems, agro-forestry plots, climate-resilient farming (CRF) demonstration sites, and ongoing gully erosion control projects.
Speaking during the tour, Engr. Joseph expressed deep satisfaction with the quality and pace of work across the project locations. He commended the level of compliance with technical and environmental standards across all project sites, emphasizing that the aim of the tour is to assess ongoing intervention efforts, evaluate project standards, and ensure alignment with the development objectives of the ACReSAL initiative.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government to the wellbeing of its citizens, stressing that the ACReSAL Project aligns with the administration’s broader goals of improving rural livelihoods and advancing environmental sustainability.
“The government is resolute in its mission to uplift the living standards of our people. One of the key promises made by His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, during his campaign is the restoration of degraded lands across the state. Today, the strategic partnership with ACReSAL Project stands as a clear and visible fulfillment of that commitment”
He lauded the efforts of the ACReSAL implementation team, led by Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto (OON), describing her leadership as exemplary and instrumental to the success of the project. He further commended the contractors for their professionalism, technical expertise, and strict adherence to quality and environmental standards.
Also speaking during the tour, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Co-Chairman of the Steering Committee, Engr. Faruk Danladi, noted the visible progress and impact in Kabba, Ankpa, and Okene, emphasising that the interventions are already bringing welcome relief to residents of the affected communities.
He applauded the unwavering effort of the State Government in driving the initiative and commended the contractors for executing their assignments with notable skill and speed.
In her remarks, the State Project Coordinator of Kogi ACReSAL, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto (OON), appreciated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering support and visionary leadership, which she described as the driving force behind the project’s success.
She restated the project’s core objectives as land restoration, livelihood enhancement and food security noting that these are already being realized across the intervention communities
“Aside tackling environmental challenges, these communities have also benefited from interventions such as dry season farming initiatives, community revolving funds, agroforestry activities, the distribution of hybrid seedlings, and access to mechanised farming tools amongst other initiatives”
She acknowledged the continued support and collaboration from the World Bank and the National ACReSAL Team emphasizing that their strong synergy with the State Implementation Unit has been instrumental in ensuring the effective delivery of the project’s mandates
Other sites visited during the tour included large-scale reforestation zones, CRF training centres, and community-based water harvesting structures, all of which are geared toward building climate resilience and fostering sustainable natural resource use.
