National Honour Reflects Kogi’s Commitment to Community Development – ACReSAL Coordinator, Barr. Jatto
By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja
The Kogi State Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jatto (OON), has described her recent national award from the Bureau of Public Service Reform (BPSR), The Presidency, as a recognition of the Kogi State Government’s sustained commitment to community development and effective public service delivery.
Speaking in a telephone interview with journalists in Lokoja, Jatto said the honour was not only a personal achievement but also an acknowledgment of the state’s consistent investment in development programmes since 2016 through continuity in governance and institutional reforms.
She noted that Kogi State has recorded significant progress due to seamless policy implementation and sustained government support, particularly in the execution of World Bank-assisted projects under the ACReSAL initiative.
According to her, although the ACReSAL project existed earlier, it became fully operational in Kogi State from 2016 following the government’s structured approach and commitment to counterpart funding.
Jatto commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for sustaining the programmes and policies initiated by his predecessor, describing the governor’s commitment to counterpart funding as critical to the successful implementation of environmental and agricultural intervention projects across the state.
She dedicated the award to the people of Kogi State, women across the country, the ACReSAL team and public servants whose dedication has contributed to improved service delivery.
“In a male-dominated society, recognising women who have distinguished themselves in their various careers is a strong statement in support of gender balance and inclusiveness,” she said.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Jatto described the award as a validation of the Kogi State Government’s commitment to institutional excellence and accountability.
“I give God all the glory for this recognition in Institutional Performance and Service Delivery. This award validates the commitment of the Kogi State Government to excellence in governance. It will inspire us to work harder, remain focused and more committed to delivering quality service.
“It also strengthens confidence in Kogi State among citizens, development partners and investors by demonstrating that the state has the capacity to plan, execute and deliver impactful projects.
This recognition will undoubtedly create more opportunities for collaboration at both national and international levels,” she said.
Jatto recalled that Kogi State had previously received commendation from the World Bank for prudent management of project funds, stressing that World Bank-assisted projects remain investments for the benefit of the people.
She explained that the ACReSAL project, funded through a World Bank loan, requires counterpart funding from participating states, adding that the Ododo administration has consistently fulfilled this obligation to ensure residents continue to benefit from the intervention.
According to her, environmental restoration programmes implemented under the former Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) and the ongoing ACReSAL initiative have transformed degraded ecological sites and improved the livelihoods of many communities across the state.
Looking ahead, the ACReSAL coordinator disclosed that greater emphasis would be placed on monitoring projects across Kogi’s three senatorial districts to ensure effective implementation and sustainability.
She noted that with half of the project’s six-year implementation period already completed, the agency would intensify efforts to sustain key interventions, including afforestation through the planting of economic trees, water resource management, erosion control, restoration of degraded lands and advocacy for climate-smart agriculture.
Jatto reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that all ongoing projects deliver lasting environmental, economic and social benefits to communities across Kogi State.
