ACReSAL Project: Mahmoud Disburses $25,000 Each To 10 FCT Communities

The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has disbursed 25,000 dollars each to ten communities that qualified for the pilot stage of the Community Revolving Fund, CRF, through their respective Community Revolving Fund Management Committees

Mahmoud also flagged off the distribution of water pumping machines to Community Interest Groups, CIGs, motorcycles to the FCT Forest Guards, a water tanker and a multipurpose truck to support reforestation efforts of the FCT Administration.

The Minister who made these presentations to the benefiting communities in Abuja also acknowledged that the Community Revolving Fund, CRF, was a pivotal aspect of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes ,ACReSAL, Project.

This project according to her is specifically under component B, which focuses on bolstering agro-climatic resilience at both the community and household levels by promoting locally and adapted sustainable land and water management (SLWM) strategies and through climate smart approaches to agriculture and natural resource management.

She stressed that although the fund was provided at zero interest rates, she warned that timely repayment is essential for its sustainability and to allow others to benefit.

“I urge you to utilize these funds wisely and responsibly, leveraging this opportunity to enhance your socio-economic well-being, improve your livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to the development of your communities.”

Mahmoud described the timing of this initiative as apt and significant as it aligns with the Federal Government’s strategic efforts to combat the escalating food crisis in Nigeria.

“It further reflects the FCT Administration’s dedication to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable groups, thereby fostering a more equitable and resilient FCT, she affirmed.”

The minister, therefore, expressed the administration’s gratitude to the World Bank for their invaluable support and partnership through the ACReSAL project, while appreciating the contributions of the National Project Coordinator from the Federal Project Management Unit, FPMU.

Mahmoud pledged the FCT Administration’s commitment to enhancing the lives of residents and creating a vibrant, thriving city in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

Speaking earlier, Mandate Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Kolo Geidam, explained that the Community Revolving Fund is a pivotal element under the ACReSAL project, aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience and promoting sustainable practices among targeted groups in identified watersheds.

The Mandate Secretary listed the benefiting pilot communities to include Dafa, Gbako, Sheda, Pukafa, Ike, Tekpese, Wako, Ashara, Gbawuji, and Rugan Bature.

Geidam assured that the secretariat remained committed to ensuring that the funds were utilized effectively and prudently for their intended purposes.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji