Following a comprehensive three-year evaluation, the World Bank has recognized the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a standout performer in the effective execution of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative, setting it as a model for others to emulate.
This commendation was delivered during an on-site inspection by a senior World Bank team, headed by Mrs. Ellysa Baroudy, Practice Manager for West and Central Africa, who visited project locations and beneficiary communities within the Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
After engaging directly with residents in Pukafa community and Sheda 1 village, Baroudy expressed her strong approval, declaring the project a remarkable achievement.
During a formal tribute to the Etsu of Kwali, she emphasized that while the World Bank Group provided the financial backing, it was the local FCT stakeholders who skillfully managed the resources to create tangible improvements in the lives of the people.
Baroudy highlighted that the firsthand accounts from beneficiaries about how ACReSAL has transformed their livelihoods serve as clear evidence of the project’s success within the FCT.
“Implementing such programs is often challenging, yet ACReSAL has thrived in Nigeria. I am genuinely impressed by the rich cultural diversity, the variety of agricultural practices, and the representation of multiple states within this microcosm,” she remarked.
“Successful projects are not always the norm, but this one truly stands out. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in the ACReSAL family for your dedication. Your efforts have deeply moved me.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, the Task Team Leader (TTL) for ACReSAL in Nigeria, explained that the project team always begins community engagements by paying respects to traditional rulers, ensuring cultural protocols are observed before any activities commence.
Agene further noted that Mrs. Baroudy, representing Nigeria and 22 other countries across Western and Central Africa, has played a pivotal role in securing funding not only for ACReSAL but also for broader programs addressing water resources, environmental conservation, forestry, and climate change mitigation.
Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, affirmed that since its launch, the FCT Administration has viewed the ACReSAL project as a transformative initiative.
He praised the project’s governance framework, particularly the Steering Committee led by the Honourable Minister of State for the FCT and the Technical Committee, for their exemplary oversight and guidance throughout the implementation process.
Mrs. Caroline Opara, the FCT Project Coordinator, described Kwali as the central hub of ACReSAL’s activities, noting that every aspect of the project has been rolled out there.
She emphasized that the Practice Manager’s direct interaction with beneficiaries provided an invaluable opportunity to witness the project’s impact firsthand and hear personal stories of change, attributing the positive outcomes largely to strong community engagement and ownership.
HRH Luka Nizassan III, the Etsu of Kwali and chairman of the Council of Chiefs in Kwali Area Council, endorsed ACReSAL as one of the nation’s most effective projects, assuring World Bank representatives that the funding is yielding the intended benefits.
The monarch stressed that traditional leaders in the FCT are fully committed to ensuring the project’s proper implementation across all areas.
“As custodians of our communities, we identify priority areas for intervention and guarantee that support reaches those who need it most. This is a key achievement for the FCT, and we remain dedicated to helping projects fulfill their objectives,” he stated.
“I commend the World Bank for once again investing in a worthy initiative that delivers meaningful results.”
Funded by the World Bank Group, the ACReSAL project centers on enhancing community resilience to climate challenges, sustainable dryland management, emergency response preparedness, and strengthening institutional capacities.
