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ACReSAL: A Beacon of Hope for Nigeria’s Agriculture Sector – Gov. Sule, Lafia, Nasarawa State, May 23, 2024
ACReSAL: A Beacon of Hope for Nigeria’s Agriculture Sector – Gov. Sule, Lafia, Nasarawa State, May 23, 2024
By: Michael Mike
The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project has been hailed as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s agriculture sector and landscape restoration particularly in semi-arid regions like Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the joint World Bank/FAO/FGN Hybrid Implementation Support Mission for the ACReSAL Project, Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Sule Abdullahi A. Sule, represented by his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, emphasized the significance of ACReSAL in addressing pressing challenges facing the agriculture sector.
“Nasarawa State, like every other state in the semi-arid region, experiences the adverse effects of climate change, which threatens our security and livelihoods,” said Dr. Akabe. “Through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches like ACReSAL, we have the opportunity to build community resilience and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.”
The ACReSAL project aims to restore 1 million hectares of degraded land in Northern Nigeria, contributing significantly to the Federal Government’s commitment to restore 4 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. This endeavor will not only help reduce the vulnerability of millions of extremely poor people in the region but also empower them to play an active role in achieving environmental sustainability.
The beauty of the ACReSAL project lies in its community-driven approach, where local communities are at the forefront of understanding, owning, protecting, and defending the project. This ensures that the project is tailored to meet the specific needs of the communities and is sustainable in the long run.
“ACReSAL embodies the spirit of partnership and cooperation, bringing together government agencies, development partners, people from academia, local communities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and all to find solutions to our shared environmental challenges,” he said.
Together, we will leverage the power of technology, research, and community engagement to transform our agricultural landscapes and secure a better future for generations to come. As we embark on this important project implementation journey, let us remain steadfast in our resolve, mindful of the impact of our actions, and responsive to the needs of our farmers and the community.
Let us use this opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of our people and the sustainability of our environment and make ACReSAL a beacon of hope for Nasarawa and Nigeria.
Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, Senior Environmental Specialist-World Bank Nigeria and Task Team Leader for the ACReSAL Project, noted that the ACReSAL Team is in Nasarawa state for a joint World Bank, Federal Government of Nigeria, and Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations Hybrid Implementation Support Mission for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project.
The aim of the mission is to assess implementation activities in the 19 Northern states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that are participating in the project, visit communities, inspect lands that have been marked for restoration, and carry out activities of the Community Resolving Fund (CRF).
She noted that Nasarawa is one of the fast-moving states in ACReSAL and would not be possible without the support of the leadership of Nasarawa state.
She disclosed that Nasarawa state will be one of the first states in the group 2 phase to qualify for phase 2 of the ACReSAL Investment. According to her, under ACReSAL, for a state to access this investment (fund), the state will have to get some instruments in place, and this is done to check the demonstration commitment and technical capacity of the state to carry out the interventions.
This funding will cushion the impact of climate change, help build the capacity of vulnerable communities to adapt to climate change, and allow water to take its natural course in Nasarawa state.
In his remarks, Mr. Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator for the ACReSAL Project, noted that the mission is in Nasarawa state to authenticate project implementation results so far and to see concrete deliverables of the four components of the ACReSAL Project.
Mr. Precious Agbesor, a representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), commended the World Bank and Federal Government of Nigeria for the partnership. He noted that component B of the ACReSAL Project (Community Climate Resilience) is the heart of the project, and FAO is supporting ACReSAL under this component to restore 350,000 hectares of degraded land.
Dr. Napoleon Gyobe Elias, the Nasarawa State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, outlined state-specific activities designed to enhance adaptive capacities and promote sustainable growth in the state.
End
News
NSCDC personnel, 16 others arrested in raid of criminal hideout in Yobe
NSCDC personnel, 16 others arrested in raid of criminal hideout in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Yobe State have raided a notorious criminal hideout in the Saman Tudu area of Pompomari District, Damaturu, arresting a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and 16 other suspects.
A reliable source told Zagazola Makama that the raid was carried out on Jan. 18 at about 7:20 p.m. following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation targeting criminal elements who use the area as a haven.
The source said the enclave served as a convergence point for trafficking and consumption of illicit drugs, as well as planning and execution of various criminal activities within the community.
“During the operation, the team stormed and ransacked the hideout, leading to the arrest of 17 suspects, including one Mohammed B. Kolo, identified as an NSCDC personnel attached to the Yobe State Command,” the source said.
He added that exhibits recovered from the scene included a knife, five bicycles, dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa, hemp wrapping papers, a long sack used as a mat and the sum of N8,500 found inside a sack suspected to contain the drugs.
The suspects are currently in custody while investigation is ongoing to determine their level of involvement in criminal activities.
The source said those found culpable would be charged to court for prosecution after the conclusion of investigations.
Residents were urged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to sustain the fight against crime in the state.
NSCDC personnel, 16 others arrested in raid of criminal hideout in Yobe
News
Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena
Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena
By: Zagazola Makama
Chadian security forces on Sunday recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition during a joint search operation in parts of the capital, N’Djamena, as part of intensified efforts to combat insecurity.
Sources Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out in the 10th arrondissement and parts of the 2nd arrondissement of the city.

According to the sources, the joint team of internal security forces seized 28 pistols, 14 other firearms, and more than 1,000 rounds of assorted ammunition during the raid.
They also recovered military equipment and six vehicles suspected to be linked to criminal activities.
“Two gun owners were arrested during the operation and are currently in custody for further investigation,” a senior security official said.
He explained that the exercise was conducted under the supervision of top security authorities and formed part of broader measures to dismantle criminal networks and curb the proliferation of illegal arms in the capital.

The official added that the recovery of the weapons had significantly disrupted the operations of armed groups and criminal elements in the affected districts.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Chadian security services to sustaining pressure on all groups involved in arms trafficking, banditry and other threats to public safety.
“The security forces will continue intelligence-led operations to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country,” he said.
Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena
News
VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum
VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum
To Commission Nigerian House in Davos Tomorrow
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in the alpine town of Davos, Switzerland, to lead the Nigerian delegation at the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), scheduled to be held from January 19 to 23, 2026.
The Vice President arrived from Conakry, Guinea, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the presidential inauguration of President Mamadi Doumbouya on Saturday.

He was received on arrival by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar, and Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and officials of the Nigerian mission in Switzerland.
The 2026 WEF marks a milestone in Nigeria’s global economic diplomacy with the official debut of “Nigeria House Davos.” For the first time, the Federal Government has established a dedicated sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade.

This facility, a product of a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP), will serve as a permanent hub for high-level ministerial engagements, investment roundtables, and cultural diplomacy throughout the week.
Vice President Shettima will present Nigeria’s 2026 economic outlook to the world’s most influential political and business leaders, as he participates in key plenary sessions focusing on the responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and biotechnology.
Throughout the week, the Vice President will hold bilateral meetings with heads of state, top executives from multinational corporations, and leaders of international development finance institutions to deepen partnerships that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In an interview with journalists shortly after the VP’s arrival, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole said Nigeria would makena robust presentation of investment opportunities in the country at the launch of the Nigeria House in Davos which will focus on President Tinubu’s efforts in revamping the economy.

According to the Minister, “we will be showcasing four playbooks on President Tinubu’s efforts in re-engineering the Nigerian economy. We will present our solid minerals sector, climate sustainability agriculture, creative and digital sectors to investors from all over the world.”
VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum
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