Governor Kefas, World Bank task agencies, investors on agro-climate resilience disburses funds, tractors to Taraba communities

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By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has tasked government agencies, development partners, private investors and other stakeholders of collective resolve to champion the Agro-climate resilience in semi-arid landscapes (ACReSAL) as it enters the second phase.

Kefas stated this during disbursement of $25,000 revolving funds and distribution of tractors by ACReSAL in Jalingo.

Recall that Agro-climate resilience in semi-arid landscape (ACReSAL) is a world bank financed project designed to tackle the pressing issues of land degradation and climate change in 19 States of Northern Nigeria and Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Abuja.

He emphasized that partnering with the World Bank has not only transformed the agricultural landscape of the state but has also set new benchmarks for climate smart and community- drive initiatives.

The Governor pointed out that with the impacts of ACReSAL in the state it was only pertinent to support the project moving forward.

He charged the people of the state to take advantage of the ACReSAL project to further spark innovations and build a safe environment.

In her address, the State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Aishat Barde said the Taraba ACReSAL project is a game changer for Taraba state.

She explained that the agriculture intervention of ACReSAL aligns with the Governor’s agenda and initiative, which is aimed at restoring degraded land to increase food productivity, among other benefits.

The Commissioner said ACReSAL is offering the needed innovations to address environmental challenges arising from climate change.

She advised the beneficiaries of the community revolving funds, climate smart, agricultural implements, and tractors to judiciously handle the equipment and assured Taraba State’s commitment to deepening the collaboration and scaling up implementation efforts to achieve even greater milestones.

Aisha appreciated the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, and World Bank Task Team leader Joy Agene for the continued confidence and commitment to the Project.

In her speech, the Task Team ACReSAL leader Dr. Joy Iganya Agene said the mission is for them to assess the progress made so far and adjust in areas that need more work.

She said there’s healthy competition in ACReSAL and funds can be drawn as much as the state can work and Implement, revealing that just yesterday, Taraba ACReSAL has upgraded to second phase as she commended TARABA ACReSAL for women inclusion and encouraged them to maintain the pace.

Also speaking, the National Project coordinator ACReSAL Abdulhamid Umar while congratulating governor Kefas for hard work said Taraba state has shown great understanding of the project and that the world bank is impressed with the progress made so far.

Umar said the catchment management plan and engineering design has been approved.

He also said to ensure more understanding of the project there is need for collaboration between the project and the state government.

Meanwhile the state project coordinator, ACReSAL, Dr. Clement Yakubu Giwa had brief the team on the activities of ACReSAL in the State while appreciating Governor Kefas, Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, Aisha Barde and the World Bank for supports given to ACReSAL and making its achieved the desired goal.