Governor Bala Announces $2 Million World Bank Grant For Project In Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has announced that the World Bank has provided a $2 million grant for the implementation of the Agro-climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project in the state.

The governor made the announcement on Friday during the official launch of the project at Command Guest House, Bauchi. 

He highlighted that the ACReSAL project aligns with his administration's key focus areas of Environment, Agriculture, and Water Resources.

The Governor emphasized that his administration's efforts, including hard work, perseverance and passion were instrumental in bringing the ACReSAL Project to Bauchi State. 

He noted that his administration ensured that all requirements outlined by the World Bank were met at various stages.

He further stated that the ACReSAL project would serve as a turning point in addressing the state's long-standing environmental and climatic challenges.

The governor highlighted the project's significance in mitigating natural disasters and emergencies while improving the livelihoods of the people.

"Our interest in ACRESAL projects is immense, as clearly displayed in assiduously pursuing all the processes of providing necessary requirements for participation in the project. 

"We collaborated and leveraged technical and financial assistance from multi-national donors, bilateral donors and federal MDAs to address a number of ecological challenges in the state.

"With our endowed natural resources and special ecosystems, game reserves, vast arable and irrigable lands as well as water resources comprising 10 macro-watersheds, 46 micro-watersheds, seven major rivers, five lakes and ten major wetlands, we are optimistic that ACRESAL Project will go a long way in providing solutions to the State's lingering ecological problems," the Governor said. 

In her remarks, the World Bank Task Team Leader, Dr Joy Iganya Agene, congratulated the governor for being the first to launch the official commencement of the implementation of the project in the 19 northern states.

"His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State is one of the key and good drivers of the ACReSAL project.

"We are happy that apart from the 500 million naira you released as the state's counterpart funding, you have also provided vehicles to the State Project Implementation Unit for effective service delivery," she added.