By Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas has appreciated the federal government and the World Bank for the Agro – Climatic Resilience in Semi – Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) for selecting the state to benefit from its project.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Aminu Alkali stated this during the Hybrid Implemention Support Mission/ Stakeholders Consultation Forum held at C2C Conference hall, Jalingo.
He assured the team that government will make judicious use of the opportunity for the benefit of Tarabans, describing the project as timely.
In her remarks, the Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Aisha Barde said that the event marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to enhance resilience, sustainability, and productivity in semi arid region.
“As we gather here, we are united by a shared commitment to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
“These challenges are particularly acute in semi-arid landscapes, where communities depend heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods.
“The variability of climate conditions in these regions necessitates innovative approaches and collaborative efforts to build resilience and ensure sustainable development.
“By fostering agro-climatic resilience, we seek to enhance food security, improve water management, and protect biodiversity, thereby uplifting the lives of the communities that depend on these landscapes.
According to her, the forum serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic planning.
“It is an opportunity for stakeholders from various sectors government, academia, civil society, and local communities to come together and contribute their expertise and perspectives.
“Through your active participation, we hope to identify actionable strategies and create a roadmap for the successful implementation of our initiatives.
She express her heartet appreciation to Governor Agbu Kefas for all the support giving to the project.
On his part, the Taraba State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Mr. Joshua Samaila Dumuti said that the event has brought together the World Bank team, members of the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), traditional leaders, members of civil society organization, critical actors in the Taraba ACRESAL
“Project and members of the Taraba State Project Management Unit (SPMU) and it is meant to enhance better understanding of the ACRESAL Project.
“As you all know, ACRESAL Project is a World Bank funded Project designed to restore degraded lands due to the impacts of climate change in 19 Northern States and the FCT as well as reduce extreme poor people in Northern Nigeria.
“As it is with the federal, ACRESAL is implemented in three ministries in the State.
“The Project is domiciled in the State Ministry of Environment and Climate with the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources as collaborating ministries.
“The ACRESAL Project among other objectives aims at increasing the implementation of sustainable landscape management practices in targeted watershed in the implementing State and also strengthen Nigeria’s long term enabling environment for integrated climate-resilient landscape management.
According to him, the state’s participation in the ACRESAL Project is adding value to land restoration.
“So far, the Project has restored 50 hectares of degraded land and is poised to reclaiming more degraded areas through erosion and flood.
“This is open from procurement and distribution of ICT equipment, IDC nisterials, construction, et eleven (11) solar-powered horsholes, procorenient of officials and renovation remodeling of the Project’s office extension among others.
“All these activities have been achieved through due diligence and commitment to World Bank approved guidelines.
“The above feat would not have been possible without the support of the State Government by our environmental friendly Governor, Dr. Aghu Kefss, the TTI, and the WB team, the NPC and the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Environmen and the Chairperson, State Steering Committee and other members of the Committee. Their support and guidance have been very valuable in the Project implementation.
He use the forum to plead with His Excellency, the Governor on the payment of counter-part fund.
“The payment of the counter-fund fund will enhance our implementation strategies to do more for the State – he said.