Following the ACReSAL Project’s approach of recognizing the traditional institution as the entry point into communities, the Benue ACReSAL SPMU led by its vibrant and hardworking SPC, Bldr. Victor Ama, some members of the State Technical Committee and Focal NGO embarked on a sensitization visit to the Gboko Local Government Traditional Council to introduce and intimate them on the project’s goals and benefits that their communities stand to get from the implementation of the project.
Bldr. Victor Ama who explained the impact of Climate Change and how it has affected the lives of people which aptly captured the realities of Gboko LGA, stated that to mitigate the impact of climate change on the environment, afforestation, sustainable land management practices and the adoption of climate-smart agriculture must be encouraged hence the establishment of the ACReSAL Project.
The State Project Coordinator Stressed that the ACReSAL Project is focused on improving the living standards of the people through the provision of solar-powered boreholes for irrigation farming that will encourage all-year farming, establishment of cottage industries to reduce post-harvest losses, engagement of community members in the implementation of projects in their localities and access to Community Revolving Funds. The SPC pointed out that all ACReSAL Projects are community-driven and owned, thus as representatives of communities, they are key to the project implementation and maintenance.
In his remarks, The Ter Gboko and Chairman, Gboko Area Traditional Council, HRH. Chief Gabriel Shosum thanked the Benue ACReSAL Team for the visit and expressed optimism that with the explanation given by the SPC, their communities would be better off with the implementation of the projects. Traditional Rulers who took turns to speak, however, expressed dismay at the rate of deforestation that has taken place in their areas and the challenges they faced in controlling the indiscriminate felling of trees. They urged the ACReSAL Project to restore forests in their communities which some said were either encroached upon or deforested without planting new ones to ensure sustainability. The Gboko Traditional Council were unanimous in their willingness to support efforts aimed at afforestation and uplifting the lives of their people.
The Director of Forestry Services, Ministry of Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Mr. Tyolumun Peter Gever assured the Traditional Rulers that the administration of the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia has already taken steps to address the challenges of forest management in the state by withdrawing the licenses given to those felling trees by past administration as part of efforts to curb the menace.