The National Project Coordinator (NPC) for the ACReSAL, Prince Abdulhamid Umar, has expressed optimism that the project’s investment in Gboko South, Benue State, will significantly improve the lives of the community members.
Speaking during a joint World Bank and Federal Government of Nigeria engagement with the communities, Prince Umar praised the active participation of women in the project’s implementation.
According to the National Project Coordinator, the community-driven investment in a palm plantation and processing factory aims to enhance the community’s livelihood, enabling them to send their children to school.
The ACReSAL project will also provide farm inputs to support the community’s farming activities. Prince Umar emphasized the importance of community ownership and sustainability of the investment.
The Benue State Commissioner for Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Odoh Ugwu, presented farm inputs to the community members and urged community leaders to ensure the project’s sustainability and equitable distribution of resources, prioritizing women’s needs.
He acknowledged the importance of the ACReSAL project and the government’s support for Gboko LGA.
Benue State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Bald Victor Ama, in his opening remarks informed the delegation that the Gboko community has allocated 1000 hectares of land for the palm plantation, with 50 hectares already covered.
He also mentioned the community’s request for the establishment of a palm fruit processing factory.
Additionally, the Benue ACReSAL will drill boreholes to address the community’s challenges in accessing clean drinking water.
Community leaders and women expressed their gratitude to the ACReSAL Project and assured the sustainability of the project investments in their communities.