By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
On Monday, Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, presented three billion Naira (₦3,000,000,000) to over 2,381 direct beneficiaries from 80 communities impacted by climate change. This distribution was made under the Community Revolving Fund of the Agro-climate Resilience in Semi-arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, in partnership with the World Bank Group.
The cheque presentation took place at the Government House in Lokoja, where Governor Ododo highlighted that the fund aligns with his administration’s commitment to ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the state.
Governor Ododo assured that the state government would continue providing the enabling environment necessary for the success and sustainability of the ACReSAL project. He emphasized that the initiative is part of the state’s broader development agenda to enhance sustainable landscape management and climate resilience across the 21 local government areas in Kogi State.
He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing sustainable agricultural practices and supporting the welfare of families across Nigeria.
In his address, the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engineer Joseph Oluwasegun, explained that the Community Revolving Fund aims to place Kogi State among the leading states in Nigeria for food security and sufficiency.
Governor Ododo encouraged the benefiting groups and communities to use the funds judiciously, ensuring that future beneficiaries also benefit from the project.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of ACReSAL, Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jatto, explained that the Community Revolving Fund is an interest-free investment fund. The first phase of disbursement began in June 2024, benefiting over 2,381 individuals.
She noted that the second phase of disbursement is a testament to the effective utilization of the first phase and the Kogi State government’s performance, as evaluated by the World Bank Task Team. Jatto urged beneficiaries to maximize the fund, emphasizing that it is a loan from the World Bank, with the state government guaranteeing repayment.
