NGO begins training of ACReSAL stakeholders in Gombe
By Bitrus Osagie
Jewel Environmental Initiative (JEI), the focal NGO for the implementation of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) in Gombe State has begun a 2-day capacity-building workshop for stakeholders in Gombe State.
The training is aimed at strengthening collaboration for the successful implementation of various ACReSAL projects in the state.
Mr. Ismail Bima, the Chief Executive Officer of JEI while speaking at the opening ceremony of the workshop held in Gombe on Wednesday said the training was to ensure the success of ACReSAL in the state.
Bima said the two-day event was to sensitize the stakeholders on the various components, objectives, and activities of ACReSAL as well as spell out areas the stakeholders could offer their support.
The environmentalist said there were no fewer than 150 participants at the workshop comprising ACReSAL desk officers, JEI staff, leaders of community associations, and traditional and religious leaders from across various affected communities in the state.
He called for more cooperation amongst all stakeholders towards ensuring unhindered implementation of the project in the state.
Bima appealed to the stakeholders to ensure ownership of the ACReSAL project, adding that ownership remained key to the success and sustainability of the project.
“The project cannot come to fruition without your cooperation and understanding; we, therefore seek your support towards making this programme a success.
“You should please take ownership of all ACReSAL projects and ensure proper monitoring and protection for the overall development of our various communities.”
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Also speaking, Mr. Sani Jauro, ACReSAL Project Coordinator in Gombe State lauded Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for his support to ACReSAL which resulted in the payment of the counterpart funds for the implementation of the project in the state.
Jauro expressed delight with the support from community, religious, and traditional leaders towards the implementation of the ACReSAL project, adding that the successes recorded so far were only achieved as a result of such support and cooperation from host communities.
Mr. Jauro said that since the inauguration of the project in the state, a lot of achievements have been recorded.
“We have recorded many notable achievements such as tree planting, training of more than 200 members of Community Interested Groups (CIGs), and provision of support to various Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, among others.
In his response on behalf of the participants, the district head of Jauro Abare, Alhaji Sale Adamu Damji, commended Gov. Yahaya for partnering with the World Bank for the implementation of ACReSAL activities in Gombe State.
“I also thank the leadership of the Gombe ACReSAL team and its focal NGO for the proper coordination and execution of ACReSAL projects and for carrying all stakeholders along.
“We pledge to continue supporting the project for the overall development of our communities.”
Mr Jamilu Usman, Project Coordinator for JEI tasked the stakeholders on the need to ensure the sustainability of the project in the state.
Usman said “We have this culture of unsustainability. You will see good projects come into the communities, you will see some good infrastructure or social interventions but when the project ends, after a year or two, you will not see the activity of the project again.”