The Niger State Government has called on the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project to accelerate the stabilization of gully erosion sites in Mokwa Local Government Area.
The appeal was made during a special dinner hosted for the ACReSAL World Bank team at the Hauwa Wali Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Minna.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff and State Coordinator for all World Bank projects, Sadiq Yusuf, expressed optimism that the stabilization work in Mokwa would bring relief to communities long burdened by the environmental hazard.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting all World Bank-assisted projects in the state.
ACReSAL Task Team Leader, Dr. Joy Agene, commended the enabling environment provided by the state government, which she said has been key to the project’s success in Niger. She also applauded the “Farmer Governor” for his strong backing of women in agriculture.
National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Dr. Abdulhameed Umar, noted that the World Bank mission in Niger allowed the team to validate and endorse a strategic management plan for the ACReSAL project. This plan, he said, would enable federal investment to develop 20 strategic catchment management plans, which will, in turn, generate 200 micro catchment plans across states—with Niger leading the way.
Niger State Project Coordinator, Raji Shehu Adam, appreciated the government’s timely release of counterpart funding, describing it as pivotal to the successful implementation of project activities.
Commissioner for Environment, Muhammad Yakubu Kolo, outlined some of ACReSAL’s achievements in the state. These include the establishment of a 150-hectare oil palm farm in Laboji, the training of 100 women in agriculture, the drilling of 88 boreholes across the state’s 25 LGAs, and agro-poultry activities on 25 hectares of land.
Other initiatives include setting up small plant nurseries, procuring tractors, and distributing various farm equipment.
The event was rounded off with a performance by the Gwape Cultural Troupe and the presentation of gifts from the Niger State Government to members of the visiting World Bank task team.
