Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mariya Mahmoud has disbursed $25,000.00 each to 10 communities that qualified for the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) pilot stage 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 the FCT Administration’s reforestation efforts.
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.
According to her, this project 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, timely repayment is essential for its sustainability and for others to benefit.
“I urge you to utilise 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,” she said.
She 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.
Therefore, the minister expressed the administration’s gratitude to the World Bank for its invaluable support and partnership through the ACReSAL project and appreciated the contributions of the National Project Coordinator from the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU).
Mahmoud pledged that the FCT Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing residents’ lives and creating a vibrant city in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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, which aims to enhance agricultural resilience and promote sustainable practices among targeted groups in identified watersheds.
He further noted that the fund was designed to empower local communities by providing them with the financial resources necessary to implement innovative and adaptive strategies. These strategies are crucial for improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and ultimately enhancing their livelihoods and community growth.
He expressed delight that the FCT could be counted among the states implementing the CRF in the country after a long and arduous journey.
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 would remain committed to ensuring the funds are utilised effectively and prudently for their intended purposes.
He revealed that implementing the ACReSAL project in the FCT would yield the desired result and significantly advance the reforestation of degraded forest reserves in Buja and Kujekwa.
According to him, other areas of achievement include planting a 160-kilometre shelter belt along Zuba to Giri junction to Abaji and fencing and protecting FCT forest plantations.
“The project has significantly enhanced the lives of our community members by providing over 41 solar-powered boreholes and 270 stand-alone solar lights.
“Similarly, the project has strengthened support for climate-smart agriculture, especially during the dry season, with the construction of over 60 tubewells,” he added.
Items distributed include 60 solar-powered water pumping machines, 30 motorcycles, essential working materials for the FCT Forest Guards, and the newly acquired water tanker and multipurpose truck for climate-smart irrigation farming.