By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
GOVERNOR Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has presented the sum of three billion N3 billion to 2,381 direct beneficiaries in over 170 groups from 80 communities impacted by climate change.
The amount was dispensed under the Community Revolving Fund of the Agro-climate Resilience in Semi-arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project in partnership with the World Bank Group.
Presenting the cheques at Government House, Lokoja on Monday, the Governor said the Community Revolving Fund is in line with his administration’s commitment to ensure food security and sustainable Agricultural practices in the State.
Governor Ododo assured that the Kogi State government would continue to provide enabling environment for the success and sustenance of the ACReSAL project.
He noted that the effort was in furtherance of his administration’s development agenda to enhance the adoption of sustainable landscape management.
The Governor noted that the aim was also to strengthen the long-term framework for integrated climate resilience landscape management and effective agricultural practices across communities in the 21 Local Government Areas in the state.
Governor Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for according priority to sustainable Agricultural practice as well as the President’s unwavering commitment to enhance the welfare of families in all parts of Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr Joseph Oluwasegun in his speech, said the Community Revolving Fund seeks to place Kogi state on the map of states where food security and sufficiency are guaranteed in Nigeria.
He urged the benefiting groups and communities to utilize the fund with diligence and to demonstrate ability to ensure that other members of the community continue to benefit from the project.
Earlier in her address, the State Coordinator of AcreSal, Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jatto said the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) is an interest-free investment fund which began with the first phase of its disbursement in June 2024 with over 2,381 direct beneficiaries.
She emphasized that the second phase of the disbursement is a justification of the effective utilization of the first phase and the overall performance of the Kogi state government as adjudged by the World Bank Task Team.
She called on beneficiaries to make the best use of the fund, adding that the fund is a loan from the World Bank under guaranteed repayment by the state government. (Ends)