The Benue State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has officially handed over a newly completed 5-hectare Agroforestry Model to the management of Akperan Orshi Polytechnic (AOPOLY), Yandev. The project, designed to promote sustainable land management, research, and environmental conservation, was completed at the institution and handed over in a ceremony attended by key stakeholders, including the polytechnic management staff, community leaders, and project partners.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the State Project Coordinator, Bldr. Victor Ama, the Project’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Engr. Samson Naakaa, commended the institution for its commitment to embracing sustainable agricultural practices.
He urged the school’s management to ensure the long-term sustainability of the facility, noting that it was specifically designed to support research and practical learning for both students and staff.
He also encouraged the institution to open the facility to members of the host community, enabling them to replicate the knowledge and skills learned for improved livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
Engr. Naakaa further emphasized that the ACReSAL Project is fully owned by the state and has enjoyed massive support from the State Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia. He commended the governor’s dedication to environmental restoration and institutional capacity building, noting that such interventions are made possible by his visionary leadership and commitment to sustainable development.
In his remarks, the Rector of Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Yandev, Engr. Dr. Dogo Azua Samuel expressed deep gratitude to the ACReSAL Project for situating the model at the institution. He assured the project team that the facility would be adequately maintained, protected, and fully utilized by both students and staff.
Dr. Samuel also expressed appreciation to Governor Alia for his unwavering support of the institution, stressing that the agroforestry model would significantly enhance research, teaching, and community engagement.
Following the rector’s remarks, the District Head of Yandev, Chief Akor Kortsav, who led other traditional leaders of the host community to the event, expressed heartfelt appreciation to ACReSAL for bringing such an impactful project to their community. He assured the project team that the community was ready to support both the institution and the initiative, pledging cooperation to ensure its success.
The contractor for the project, Allied Vision Limited, represented by Engr. Yina Kingsley Delahan expressed delight at the successful and timely completion of the facility. He noted that the project reflects the collaborative effort between the contractor, the ACReSAL team, and the institution, noting that its benefits will be felt for years to come. After the formal handover, the traditional rulers, ACReSAL staff, and staff of the institution were taken on a guided tour of the facility by the contractor, who explained its various components and demonstrated its operational features.
The 5-hectare Agroforestry Model is expected to serve as a center for research and demonstration, showcasing sustainable agricultural practices such as integrated tree-crop systems, soil conservation techniques, and biodiversity enhancement. It will also provide hands-on learning opportunities for students in agricultural sciences and related fields, while offering the local community exposure to modern and climate-smart farming techniques.
The handover of the facility aligns with ACReSAL’s broader mandate to combat land degradation, promote climate resilience, and improve livelihoods in semi-arid landscapes through innovative, community-based interventions. By integrating education, community participation, and sustainable land management, the project seeks to create a lasting impact not only in Yandev but across Benue State.
The event concluded with a shared commitment from all stakeholders to ensure that the facility becomes a hub for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable environmental practices that will benefit both present and future generations.