By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, on Tuesday disbursed $25,000.00 each to ten communities through their respective Community Revolving Fund Management Communities.
Likewise, Mahmoud flagged off the distribution of water pumping machines to Community Interest Groups, CIGs, motorcycles to the FCT Forest Guards, water tanker and a multipurpose truck to support reforestation efforts of the FCT Administration.
The minister during the presentations to the benefiting communities in Abuja disclosed that the Community Revolving Fund, CRF, was a pivotal aspect of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape, ACReSAL, Project.
According to the minister, the project is specifically under component B, which focuses on reinforcement of agro-climatic resilience at both the community and household levels by promoting locally and adapted sustainable land and water management ,SLWM, strategies.
She cautioned the beneficiaries to ensure timely repayment, which is essential for the sustainability of the fund given at zero interest rate.
The minister said, “I urge you to utilize these funds wisely and responsibly, leveraging this opportunity to enhance your socio-economic well-being, improve your livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the development of your communities.”
Mahmoud described the timing of this initiative as apt, and significant as it aligns with the Federal Government’s strategic efforts to combat the escalating food crisis in Nigeria.
“It further reflects the FCT Administration’s dedication to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable groups, thereby fostering a more equitable and resilient FCT”, she affirmed .
The minister, therefore, expressed the administration’s gratitude to the World Bank for their invaluable support and partnership through the ACReSAL project, while appreciating the contributions of the National Project Coordinator from the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU).
Mahmoud pledged the Administration’s steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of residents and creating a vibrant, thriving city in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.
Speaking earlier, Mandate Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Hon. Lawan Kolo Geidam, explained that the Community Revolving Fund is a pivotal element under the ACReSAL project, aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience and promoting sustainable practices among targeted groups in identified watersheds.
Further, Geidam noted that the fund was designed to empower local communities by providing them with the financial resources necessary to implement innovative and adaptive strategies, which are crucial for improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security and ultimately enhancing their livelihoods and community growth.
He expressed delight that, after a long and arduous journey, the FCT could be counted among the states implementing the CRF in the country.
The benefiting pilot communities to include Dafa, Gbako, Sheda, Pukafa, Ike, Tekpese, Wako, Ashara, Gbawuji, and Rugan Bature.
Geidam assured that the secretariat will remain committed to ensuring that the funds are utilized effectively and prudently for their intended purposes.
He revealed that the implementation of the ACReSAL project in the FCT is yielding the desired result leading to significant advancements in the reforestation of degraded forest reserves in Buja and Kujekwa.
Other areas of achievement according to him include the planting of 160 kilometres shelter belt along Zuba to Giri junction to Abaji, as well as the fencing and protection of FCT forest plantations.
“The project has significantly enhanced the lives of our community members by providing over 41 solar-powered boreholes and 270 stand-alone solar lights.
“Similarly, the project has strengthened support for climate-smart agriculture, especially during the dry season, with the construction of over 60 tubewells,” he added.
Items distributed include 60 sola
