Kwara ACReSAL Moves for Immediate Execution of Intervention Projects in Communities

The Emir of Shonga, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Haliru Ndanusa Yahaya (middle), with the State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Alhaji Shamsideen Olatunbosun Aregbe (7th from left), and members of the ACReSAL State Project Management Unit (SPMU) in a group photograph during the sensitisation visit to the Emir’s palace in Shonga, Edu LGA, recently.

 …Visits Shonga, Lata-Nna, and Alapa communities for sensitisation

In a bid to intensify its efforts on land restoration and environmental sustainability, the Kwara State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) has embarked on sensitisation and awareness campaigns for the immediate execution of projects in communities slated for various interventions in the state.

The first three communities visited included Lata-Nna in Patigi Local Government, Alapa in Asa Local Government, and Shonga in Edu Local Government.

The Kwara ACReSAL team was led by the State Project Coordinator (SPC), Alhaji Shamsideen Olatunbosun Aregbe. Speaking during the visit to Shonga community, the SPC explained that one of the mandates of the project is the restoration of degraded lands in Kwara State.

He reiterated that 2,000 hectares of degraded land had been earmarked for restoration in Shonga alone, with its shapefile ready. The intervention will also include the drilling of solar-powered boreholes, which will be reticulated for irrigation purposes to support seedlings planted through the project.

Alhaji Aregbe said that with the directive of the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, it became imperative for the team to visit the Emir of Shonga, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Haliru Ndanusa Yahaya, and his community members to update them on the swift commencement of activities in the area.

He further noted that labour would be sourced from within the community to help boost local economic activity.

In his response, the Emir of Shonga expressed delight at the Executive Governor of Kwara State, the World Bank, and ACReSAL for selecting Shonga as one of the beneficiary communities. He stressed the devastating impact of perennial flooding on farming and livelihoods, noting, “Flooding has become massive to the extent that it overspills, causing havoc to our farming system.”

“We are delighted that this project is timely and prompt, and we hope it achieves its goals for the betterment of Shonga and its environs,” the Emir added.

During the visit to Lata-Nna community, the SPC reassured residents that development activities would soon commence at the Lata Grazing Reserve as promised by ACReSAL.

“The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has directed us to immediately commence development at the Lata Grazing Reserve.

“So, we tell you today that this is just the beginning of the many benefits Lata-Nna community will enjoy from the ACReSAL project. Lata is one of our catchment areas, and whatever development is coming to Kwara, Lata will not be left out,” he added.

He further disclosed that access roads would be constructed to the grazing reserve, six solar-powered boreholes would be drilled for human and irrigation use, solar lights would be installed, and economic trees and grasses would be planted for animal grazing.

Lending his voice, the Director of Forestry, Alhaji Idris Mahmud Babatunde, noted that the intervention would provide alternative solutions to climate issues and help reduce herder-farmer conflicts in the community and across the state.

Also speaking, the Director of Water Services, Engr. Wopa Yusuf, praised the Governor for initiating the laudable projects and urged community members to support the achievement of the project’s objectives.

In her remarks, the Development Officer for Patigi Local Government, Hajia Fatimah Asabe Jiyah, commended the Governor for prioritising women's inclusion in his administration. She lamented the increasing rate of deforestation and encouraged residents to embrace the ACReSAL project for their economic advancement.

In his response, the District Head of the Lata-Nna community, Etsu Yankpa of Lata, Ahmed Mohammed, appreciated the state government, the World Bank, and ACReSAL, praying for the swift fulfilment of all promises made.

At Alapa, the Project Coordinator announced that 1,000 hectares had been earmarked for tree planting, to begin in earnest.

“Alapa is one of the catchment areas under Asa, so we are commencing the intervention immediately, as directed by His Excellency, with the rehabilitation of the Alapa Waterworks,” he said.

Similarly, Engr. Wopa informed the gathering that plans for the rehabilitation of the Alapa Waterworks had been finalised. The deteriorated pumps would be repaired, and the boreholes would be reticulated for human consumption and irrigation.

He urged the community to protect the amenities to avoid damage.

Representing the Focal NGO team, Alhaji Mohammed Jummah Kayode reassured the community of ACReSAL’s commitment to fulfilling its objectives and called for full community support.

The Magaji of Alapa, meanwhile, thanked the state government, the World Bank, and the ACReSAL team for their commitment and pledged full support for the intervention.

Okanlawon Taiwo 
Communication Officer
Kwara ACReSAL