Taraba State government Inaugurated ACReSAL Project in the state.

 

By Sani Yarima Jalingo.

On Wednesday, Governor Agbu Kefas inaugurated the ACReSAL project in Taraba State, northeast Nigeria. 

The commissioning ceremony took place in Jalingo, the capital city at the State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. 

The project is supported by the World Bank and aims to promote sustainable landscape management practices in targeted watersheds in Northern Nigeria.

This initiative aims to address the various challenges of land degradation and climate change, with the ultimate goal of strengthening Nigeria's long-term enabling environment for integrated climate-resilient landscape management.

The ACReSAL project is being implemented in the 19 Northern States of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with collaboration from the Ministry of Water Resources and Aquatic Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

In his address, Governor Kefas expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the ACReSAL team in the state and assured the public of the government's unwavering support for the project. 

He emphasized the importance of preserving the environment and encouraged the public to participate in the greening project to ensure its sustainability and benefit everyone.

Governor Agbu Kefas also commissioned the ACReSAL State Office complex at the event, which marked the project's official launch.

Hon. Aishat Barde, the State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, shared that the ACReSAL project aims to address environmental issues caused by climate change and poor land-use practices. 

She expressed her appreciation for the project's accomplishments, including the construction of 11 solar-powered boreholes in 9 local government areas of the State, namely Gashaka, Yorro, Lau, Ardo Kola, Bali, Donga, Jalingo, Kurmi, and Wukari. 

She lauded Governor Kefas for his commitment and support for the greening project, which enabled ACReSAL to construct and furnish their office complex in Jalingo, renovate and furnish additional office blocks, as well as raise seedlings for planting.

Hon. Aishat Barde, who is also the State Chairperson of the ACReSAL Project, informed that the project has already conducted sensitization programs and enlightenment on community interest group formations across the 16 local government areas of the state. 

According to her, this was to give the people more understanding of the projects. 

The Commissioner further commended the ACReSAL steering and technical committees and the project management unit for their contributions and efforts toward achieving the set goals of the project.

The Project Coordinator, ACReSAL, Sama'ila Dumuti explained that the project aims to reduce the vulnerability of extremely poor people in the region.

Mr. Dumuti continued to emphasize that the project would continue to uphold the ACReSAL slogan of "Greening the environment and saving lives" to ensure the achievement of set objectives.

Distinguished guests attended the event, including Commissioners, the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, and the Secretary to the Government of the State, Gebon Kataps.

Also in attendance were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Jeji Williams, the Chairman of the Task Force on Environment, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and the Taraba state ACReSAL Special Project management unit team among others.