Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has disbursed a sum of three billion Naira (N3,000,000,000) to 2,381 direct beneficiaries from 80 communities across the state. The funds, allocated under the Community Revolving Fund of the Agro-climate Resilience in Semi-arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, are aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Kogi. The presentation was made in a ceremony at the Government House in Lokoja, as disclosed in a release by Ismaila Isah, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor.
Governor Ododo emphasized the significance of the project, noting that the Community Revolving Fund is part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to ensuring food security and advancing sustainable farming practices throughout Kogi State. “This initiative is a major step toward making Kogi a leader in sustainable agriculture in Nigeria. We are focused on creating an enabling environment for climate resilience and ensuring our people benefit directly from climate-smart agriculture,” the Governor said.
The funds will be distributed across over 170 groups, with each beneficiary community receiving a portion to support agricultural activities and implement climate-resilient practices. Governor Ododo underscored the long-term benefits of the program, which aligns with his administration’s development agenda to foster integrated climate resilience and enhance the agricultural landscape in all 21 local government areas of the state.
Additionally, the Governor expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing sustainable agricultural practices at the national level and for his unwavering support in advancing initiatives that aim to improve the welfare of Nigerian families. Ododo further stated that the Kogi State government is committed to the continued success and sustainability of the ACReSAL project.
The Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engineer Joseph Oluwasegun, also praised the initiative, stating that the Community Revolving Fund will place Kogi State among the forefront of states in Nigeria where food security and sufficiency are assured. He urged beneficiaries to utilize the fund responsibly to ensure its success and long-term impact on their communities.
Earlier, the State Coordinator for ACReSAL, Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jatto, explained that the interest-free fund, which began disbursement in June 2024, is a strategic effort by the World Bank to empower communities to implement climate-resilient agricultural practices. Jatto commended the Kogi State government’s effective implementation of the program and urged beneficiaries to demonstrate accountability to ensure that future phases of the disbursement continue to benefit even more members of the community.
