ACReSAL Launches Strategic Catchment Planning in Gombe
The Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) has commenced a high-level stakeholders’ engagement in Gombe State, aimed at developing strategic catchment plans for the Gali-Lamurde and Hawal-Kilunga basins. The engagement, which forms part of a broader national initiative to develop 20 strategic catchment management plans across Nigeria, will be held from August 26 to 31, 2025.
Representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the opening ceremony, Commissioner for Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, Mohammed Said Fawu, described the engagement as timely and aligned with the state’s ongoing environmental efforts. He highlighted key achievements under Governor Yahaya’s administration, including the “Gombe Goes Green” initiative and the revitalization of the Balanga Dam to enhance food security—both in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“In steadfast alignment with the Federal Government’s commitment to restore four million hectares of degraded land by 2030, Gombe State has emerged as a beacon of environmental renewal,” Fawu stated. “Through the transformative Gombe Goes Green initiative, over five million trees have been planted in the past five years, made possible through ACReSAL’s support.”
He extended appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Environment for its technical guidance, and commended the ACReSAL National Project Coordinator, Dr. Abdulhamid Umar, alongside the World Bank Task Team Leader, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, for their pivotal roles in shaping the strategic document.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Abdulhamid Umar emphasized the urgency of ACReSAL’s intervention in the Northeast and other regions facing severe environmental degradation. He noted that empowering communities along catchment areas is central to the project’s mission.
Gombe State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, reiterated the engagement’s purpose: to address critical challenges affecting catchment areas, including those within Gombe. He praised Governor Yahaya’s leadership for fostering peace, infrastructure development, and inclusive governance, which have created a conducive environment for transformative projects like ACReSAL.
His Royal Highness, the Mai Tangle, Danladi Sunusi Maiyamba, commended ACReSAL and the World Bank for their efforts and thanked Governor Yahaya for enabling such impactful initiatives.
As part of the engagement, Gombe ACReSAL distributed 6,220 bags of drought-resistant seeds to farmer associations, rice, maize, millet, and guinea corn.
