Kogi ACReSAL Coordinator, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, Bags Distinguished Public Service Award in Abuja
By Yahaya Idris
The Kogi State Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, Ladi Ahmed Jatto, has been honoured with the Distinguished Public Service Award in Institutional Performance and Service Delivery by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms.
The prestigious award was presented on June 23, 2026, during the Nigeria Public Service Lecture Series and Awards ceremony organised to commemorate the United Nations Public Service Day.
The event, themed “Transforming Public Institutions: Advancing Innovation, Participation and Inclusion,” recognised outstanding contributions to public service reforms, innovation, and citizen-focused governance across the country.
Jatto emerged as one of the award recipients following a rigorous merit-based selection process involving stakeholder nominations and independent performance evaluations. She stood out among a highly competitive field of Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in her geo-political zone.
Her recognition also placed her among the select women honoured at the national event, underscoring the growing acknowledgement of women’s leadership and impact in public service delivery in Nigeria.
Other notable awardees included Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Abubakar Yelwa, and Abdulhamid Umar, who was recognised for Leadership in Development Projects.
A seasoned development expert and project manager, Jatto has built an impressive record in public service.
Before her current role, she served as Kogi State Coordinator of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, Special Adviser on Environment and Physical Development, as well as Special Adviser on Multilateral and Donor Agencies to the Kogi State Government.
In 2023, she was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in recognition of her contributions to national development.l
Under her leadership, the Kogi ACReSAL project — a World Bank-supported initiative — has recorded significant milestones in watershed management, land restoration, and community-based climate adaptation programmes. These interventions have attracted commendations from development partners and strengthened environmental resilience as well as rural livelihoods across the state.
Speaking after receiving the award, Jatto dedicated the honour to her team and the people of Kogi State.
“This award belongs to every member of the Kogi ACReSAL team who works tirelessly to ensure our interventions reach farmers, communities, and vulnerable groups. It will further inspire us to deepen reforms and improve service delivery for greater impact,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for providing the enabling environment and support that contributed to the project’s achievements.
At the ceremony, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation emphasised the need for sustained reforms, innovation, and citizen-centred governance as critical drivers for achieving Nigeria’s development goals.
Stakeholders at the event described the honourees as exemplary public servants whose dedication continues to strengthen institutional performance and promote sustainable national development, while further boosting Kogi State’s reputation in effective project implementation and public service excellence.
