Olu Samuel, Lokoja
The World Bank in conjunction with the Federal Government National Project Task Team has applauded the Kogi state government for meeting project development objectives.
The team currently in Kogi State for Implementation Support Mission for Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) gave the commendation on Thursday while visiting the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr Joseph Oluwasegun.
The team led by Dr. Agene Joy, the World Bank Task Team Leader, Special Implementation Support Program and Dr. Abdulhamid Umar, Federal Government National Project Coordinator were currently in the state to access the level of compliance with ACReSAL developmental objectives.
Represented by Mr. Chinedu Umolu, the World Bank Co-TTL, said the Special Implementation Support Program would enable the team see the progress the State is making in the implementation of Acresal projects.
“The visit by the World Bank and Federal Government Team would enable the strengthening of the Acresal projects currently ongoing so as to extract the maximum benefits for the State and it citizens”.
Dr. Agene expressed optimism thus far with the preliminary result from the ongoing World Bank Projects adding that the team looks forward to more that will be seen during the field study on the impact of the Acresal projects.
“The outcome from the project inspection would enable the World Bank and Federal Government Team improve on ways of helping to actualize the desired impact”.
She expressed her commendation for the strong support the Acresal projects has enjoyed from the Kogi State Ministries of Environment and Ecological Management, Water Resources, Agriculture and Food Security.
She commended State Government for creating the enabling environment and support for Acresal Projects in the State to thrive.
“Kogi State remains one of the State that has been able to attract more investment from the World Bank amongst the 19 Northern State and the FCT in terms of support due to the dedication and support the State Government Team is putting in to show result”.
In his remarks, Dr. Abdulhamid Umar, National Project Coordinator, described the Kogi State Team establish to implement the World Bank Projects, as “not only competent, but skillful to the extent that the project development objectives for Acresal is seriously being respected and aligned with.
Dr. Abdulhamid said the combined Federal Government team, is serving as the sovereign guarantor for world Bank loan for the 19 States and the FCT, who signed to the SLA to access facility from the world bank for purposes of addressing climatic challenges which he pointed out has bedevilled more of the Northern region than other parts of the Country.
The National Coordinator listed the challenges brought by natural forces and to some extent by human activities as reasons for climate change, said “We are here with the lender to support what has been achieved so far and with the view to strengthen areas of weaknesses if there exist any”.
” On behalf of the Federal Project Team. Let me express the appreciation of the Team to Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo who has in just few months being able to impact lives more positively since his assumption of office as far as governance is concerned”.
” The impact of the Acresal project has provided some stability. I’m optimistic that before the projects are completed, the necessary impact will be more felt”.
In her remarks, the Project Coordinator, Kogi State ACReSAL, Chief. Barr. Ladi Jatto OON, said Acresal Implementation Support Mission to Kogi State In the State for a Special Support Mission.
She disclosed that the visit would enable the team see what has been done, guide and offer support after reviewing the project implementation in the State. This she noted is to enable the State ACReSAL do better and ensure that it follows the project development objectives.
Barr. Ladi described Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo as a strong support in the payment of counterpart funding. She equally praised the Commissioner For Environment and Ecological Management, Engr Joseph as a dependable ally and strong support system who have made the activities of Acresal successful in the State.
In his remarks at the visit, the Kogi State Commissioner For Environment and Ecological Management, Engr Joseph Oluwasegun, expressed the
appreciation of the Government and people of the State to Task Team Leader for always standing by the State.
Engr. Joseph described the State as one that is project and development driven, reason why it takes any opportunity that present itself judiciously and take the advantage to improve on the well-being of the citizens.
He explained that the Ministry of Environment has recorded so much achievements within a short time under the present administration, said it was able to achieve that through collaboration and wonderful relationship with the world bank and Acresal.
While noting that it will be difficult for Government with meagre resources to be able to achieve much, but said with the efforts of the world bank, the Ministry has recorded a lot of successes.
The Commissioner listed all the Gully intervention ongoing simultaneously across the State, the donation of ICT equipments, operational vehicles to line Ministries to ease their work, Engr. Joseph explained appreciative by the State Government.
He equally commended the State Acresal for the Tree Planting initiative to mitigate against the impact of climate change, expressed his profound appreciation to the Project Coordinator, Kogi State ACRESAL