The Benue State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project Management Unit (SPMU) convened its monthly meeting with its three Focal Non-Governmental Organizations (FONGOs) representing Zones A, B, and C at the Project Office Conference Hall in Makurdi. The session reaffirmed the crucial role of FONGOs as frontline partners and “foot soldiers” in implementing the project’s activities across the state.
Taking turns, each FONGO presented a detailed account of their activities for the month under review. The presentations highlighted progress made in site monitoring, stakeholder sensitization, and community mobilization efforts aimed at strengthening resilience and sustainable land management.
In his remarks, the State Project Coordinator of Benue ACReSAL, Bldr. Victor Ama commended the FONGOs for their dedication, underscoring the need for even stronger community engagement. He tasked them to intensify monitoring of project sites across Benue State to ensure interventions achieve their intended impact.
The Social Livelihood Officer, Anna Okoh, echoed this call while stressing the importance of deeper community ownership of project interventions. She urged the FONGOs to consistently pass the message on the dangers of bush burning to communities, particularly as the dry season approaches. She noted that discouraging this destructive practice is essential to safeguarding plantations and other land restoration efforts already established by the Project.
Speaking on communication and visibility, the Communication Officer, Mr. Ephraim Hemben, urged FONGOs to consistently provide geotagged pictures of all project activities and interventions. He also reminded them of the importance of documenting and sharing success stories using the standard template earlier provided, as these stories serve as proof points of ACReSAL’s transformative impact.
The interactive session also featured robust contributions from other participants, who shared practical observations and recommendations to further strengthen project delivery and community trust.
By the close of the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the SPMU to ensure that ACReSAL interventions continue to restore degraded lands, improve livelihoods, and promote climate resilience across Benue State.
Benue ACReSAL remains committed to leveraging partnerships with its FONGOs and communities to achieve lasting results—ensuring that every project intervention leaves behind not only tangible outcomes but also a legacy of resilience and sustainability.