From Dan Amasingha, Minna

Following the effect of climate change and in an effort to mitigate the situation on the environment and community development, Niger State has launched the ACReSAL project, a World Bank-assisted initiative aimed at addressing desertification and enhancing community resilience.

The program, launched at Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna was set to complement the technical assistance provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO-UN) under Components A and B of the initiative, which focus on dry land management and community climate resilience.

Speaking at the groundbreaking event, Governor Umar Mohammed Bago stated that Component A of the project addresses dry land management by tackling desertification and land degradation.

He pointed out that the aim was to complete investments at the community level towards ensuring that efforts to combat environmental challenges are both sustainable and impactful.

According to him, Component B, on the other hand, deals with improving agro-climatic resilience at the community and household levels.

“This involves promoting locally adapted sustainable land and water management strategies, paving the way for climate-smart approaches to agriculture and natural resource management”

Governor Umar Bago, represented by his Deputy, Yakubu Garba, emphasized the project’s role in supporting the state’s initiative to develop multi-sectoral approaches for desertification control and landscape management.

“This project will not only improve community resilience but also enhance the livelihoods of our rural communities,” he noted.

“The project will engage and train 100 youths, who will be supported with starter packs to establish plant nurseries at various locations across the state.”

Bago further stated that as part of the initial phase, the project will commence with the establishment of nurseries at the front view of Abdullahi Abdulkadir Kure University in Minna, before expanding to other areas including Bida, Kontagora, New Bussa, and Suleja. In addition, 100 women have been identified to receive training in seedling production, contributing to economic empowerment and community development.

“Water and sanitation are also key components of the ACReSAL project to improve these essential services, 100 boreholes will be drilled across the 25 Local Government Areas of the state.

“The first phase of this effort will target Abdulkadir Kure University and seven communities, including Kpanduko in Bosso, Baidna in Paikoro and Kaliko in Wushishi, with further expansions planned in the near future,” Bago added.

Bago praised the collaboration between the state and the World Bank, assuring continued government support through prompt payment of counterpart funds. He also commended the efforts of the State ACReSAL Project team for making this initiative a reality. “I urge all beneficiaries to make judicious use of this opportunity to be part of the success story of our New Niger Agenda for a green economy,” he said.

In his speech, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Yakubu Mohammed Kolo highlighted the ACReSAL project’s response to the unique challenges faced by the semi-arid regions of northern Nigeria, including erratic rainfall, soil degradation, and extreme weather patterns.

These factors have had a profound impact on food production, water availability, and the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities. The project aims to equip communities with the tools and knowledge needed to adapt to these challenges, ultimately reducing their vulnerability to drought and unpredictable weather conditions.

He added that by promoting climate-smart agricultural techniques, the project seeks to improve crop yields and water management practices. It will also engage communities in sustainable land management practices to prevent further land degradation, restore degraded ecosystems, and enhance biodiversity across the state’s semi-arid landscapes.

“Through innovative water-saving techniques and improved irrigation systems, the ACReSAL project will ensure sustainable water management for both agricultural and domestic use. This, combined with efforts to build the capacity of farmers, women, youth, and community leaders, will empower communities to take charge of their resources and livelihoods in sustainable ways,” the Commissioner stated.

The Commissioner further mentioned that the ACReSAL project represents a collaborative effort to create a more resilient, food-secure and environmentally sustainable future for Niger State. Governor Bago’s administration remains committed to supporting these initiatives and ensuring their success for the benefit of all residents.

Highlight of the event was the flag-off of ten tractors and trees planting to mark the beginning of the project.

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

 Cross River Basin Development Authority Calabar is engulfed in scandal over missing Tractor which has landed the Managing Director (MD), Bassey Nkposong in trouble.

The mysterious disappearance of MF 275 tractor belonging to the Basin Authority where it was parked, in the premises of the company sparked off trouble in 2023

A  source which had been on the trail  alleged that a component of the tractor had  been recovered from the MD’s personal farm at Anyanganse farm in Akpabuyo local government area which is a few  kilometers away from the state capital  by a crack team of the Nigerian police who had been on the trail.

Investigating Police officer (IPO) ‎Supol Edet Okoho‎ told our reporter that Nkposong had been invited by detectives from Police Anti-robbery unit of the State Investigation Department (SCID) Calabar to answer questions on Tuesday on how N9m tractor mysteriously disappeared from the premises of Basin authority but declined further comments on the issue..

Findings revealed that the tractor was driven out from the premises of Basin Authority when two young men stormed the vehicle yard of Basin Authority on October 6, 2023, at about 6:00PM with 30 litres of diesel, tractor’s battery and authorization letter addressed to the Chief security of the Basin Authority.

The letter purported to have been issued by a high ranking officer in the organization, authorized the release of the tractor to the two strangers so that they can make the tractor available for physical inspection by external auditors, and thereafter be returned to Basin Authority the following day.

Apart from the authorization letter, the two young men also presented to the security supervisor tractor ignition keys that were supposed to be in the custody of the workers’ union chairman Joe Effiong or the MD Bassey Nkposong.

Country director for Rescue Support Initiative (RSI), Ayei Okpa, leading agitation for accountability and transparency in recovery  of missing tractor expressed displeasure over an attempt by management of Basin Authority to victimize the principal Works Superintendent officer Mission Udo, even when the matter is already in court.

Ayei, who is also in charge of arraignment in court with the works officer, expressed shock that those at the top echelon of the parastatal cannot exonerate themselves regarding the missing tractor only to rope the works officer in suit No. MC/188C/2024 at the magistrate court presided by Chief Magistrate E.A Orim of being responsible for the theft of the missing tractor.

However a letter, reference No:CRB/AD/M.5/5/Vol XIII dated September 10, 2024 inviting the works superintendent to appear before a disciplinary committee set up by management of Basin Authority was jettisoned by the court, as that will amount to taking the law into their hands and as such declared the invitation null and void.

When contacted, on the issue, workers’ union chairman Cross River Basin authority, Joseph Etim Effiong for his input on the issue he said, “I can’t speak with a journalist on telephone unless you visit our office.

In his remarks, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Cross River State, Irene Ugbo said, “I will get back to you once I get input from Supol Edet Effiong who is the investigating police officer (IPO).

Managing director of Cross River Basin Authority CRBDA Bassey Nkposong, in a telephone conversation denied any wrongdoing saying that it’s the handwork of black mailers who were interested in pulling him down.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Ijaw Patriotic Movement, (IPM) has inaugurated its pioneer executive members in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital to fight against environmental degradation plaguing the Niger Delta region.

They also pledge to evolve policies and programmes aimed at tackling the devastating ecological challenges facing Ijaw land headlong.

The matron of IPM, Irene Digitemie Opuene who spoke as a special guest of honour at the inauguration ceremony noted that Ijaw land is bedeviled with a lot of ecological problems owing largely to its coastal and riverine nature, emphasizing that this has made flooding of Ijaw lands a common sight, particularly during the raining seasons.

Irene further opined that the situation is increasingly worrisome and all patriotic Ijaw sons and daughters must come together to proffer lasting solutions to the issue, adding that erosion has eaten deep into almost every part of Ijaw land and it is presently threatening the socio-economic wellbeing and harmonious co-existence of Ijaws, especially at the grassroots level.

She however urged members of IPM to rekindle their commitment to the new executive members by making themselves available whenever the need arises, stressing that the emergence of the body should be seen as a calculated attempt to compliment the roles being played by other existing bodies like the Ijaw National Congress, (INC), the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the Movement For The Sovereignty Of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality (MOSIEND).

In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Archbishop Steven Overy who represented His Royal Majesty, King Godspower Oporomo, the King of Kerebiri Kingdom encouraged the newly inaugurated executives of IPM to form a formidable synergy that can stand the test of time, advising them to put in their best so as to accomplish their vision for Ijaw nation.

Archbishop Steven Overy equally tasks every member of IPM to support the aims and aspirations of the new executive members, noting that this is the surest way to inspire them to contribute their quota to the overall socio-economic development of Ijaw nation.

The clergy admonished them never to be dismayed when challenges confront them in the course of discharging their duties but should rather be resolute and determined to surmount any challenge, noting that every member of IPM should imbibe the spirit of togetherness as it is the only way they can succeed in their respective assignments.

In his inaugural address, the President of IPM, Comrade Mislaw Genren opined that Ijaws all over the country have divergent cultures, values, heritages and traditions, reiterating that the vision of IPM is to evolve policies that would bring all Ijaws together under one specific umbrella by canvassing for a central King, common language, the celebration of Ijaw national day and the routing for Ijaw traditional rulers to be included in the payroll of the Federal Government to enable them move round all Ijaw speaking states and campaign for the unity and harmonious co-existence of Ijaws.

The inaugurated executives members include the National President, National Vice President, the General Secretary, National Women Leader, Publicity Secretary, National Financial Secretary, National Treasurer, National Legal Adviser , Organizing Secretary, Director Of Mobilisation, Director Of Welfare, Provost and Director Of Administration.

Others were the Eastern, Western and Central Zone Chairmen of the body.