By Obiabin Onukwugha
The World Task Team Leader of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene has commended the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his support and commitment to the project.
Joy made the commendation during the opening session of a joint World Bank and Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Hybrid Implementation Support Mission at the Adamawa ACReSAL Project Management Unit office in Yola, Adamawa State.
She applauded the governor for taking ownership of the ACReSAL project, noting that it was currently making significant impact in the state.
The Task Team Leader also extolled the Adamawa State ACReSAL Project Coordinator and his team for the milestones achieved so far and for the effective organization and hosting of the mission team.
She however, advised the Adamawa team to leverage government and communal lands with appropriate documentation in pursuance of their landscape restoration and afforestation efforts.
In his remarks, the Adamawa State Commissioner for Environment, who is also the Chairman of the State Steering Committee of the ACReSAL Project, represented by his counterpart from the ministry of Agriculture, Professor David Jatau, reiterated the assurances of the government’s continuous support for the ACReSAL Project.
He noted that ACReSAL has made remarkable progress in the state, which is a result of the enabling environment provided by the government and as well, the commitment of the ACReSAL team.
On his part, the Chairman, House Committee on Environment in the Adama State House of Assembly, Hon. Yohanna Sahabo Jauro, commended the Adamawa Project Management Unit for the feat achieved so far, which he attributed to team spirit and hard work.
He described ACReSAL as a wonderful initiative aimed at restoring the ecosystem, especially the menace of desert encroachment in the state and Northern Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his presentation, Adamawa state ACReSAL Project coordinator, Dr. Ibrahim Chinda, presented a scorecard showing the coverage of more than 1,800 hectares through the project’s reforestation, afforestation and Agroforestry activities, with an impact on the lives of about 100,000 people, of whom 48% are women.
