Yahaya hails World Bank’s contributions to Gombe State devt

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has commended the World Bank for supporting the development of the state through viable sustainable development programmes.

He said this on Friday in Gombe when a project assessment team of the bank visited the state.

Yahaya said viable projects executed through the bank’s helped in tackling land degradation, environmental challenges and improving the wellbeing of the residents.

Represented by Mohammed Fawu, Commissioner for Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, Yahaya said that such support had enabled the state to provide key infrastructure to complement the development agenda of his administration.

“We are excited about your intervention and supports that have translated into the projects you have assessed.

“We are happy that many projects were executed to save the environment, protect livelihoods and empower women and youths.

“We have over 200 active gullies in Gombe and we are happy with your support in reclaiming lands affected by these erosions,” he said.

Yahaya urged the bank to increase funding and support the state to enable it to tackle erosion and other challenges while bridging other infrastructure gaps.

He enjoined communities participating in the bank’s projects to ensure sustainability by owning the projects.

The governor said that a bill has been submitted to the State House of Assembly, to fast track establishment an Agency, to sustain all projects done by the bank and other development partners.

Chakib Jenane, Regional Director for Sustainable Development for Western and Central Africa, said it was good that the projects were having positive impact on residents.

He said the preservation and conservation of livelihood around project sites were commendable as it safeguard lives from the calamity associated with heavy rains.

According to Jenane, the bank is looking at expanding sustainable development programmes including environment, forestry, blue economy and water management.

“We are discussing with the government of Nigeria on the new country programme framework which is under preparation.

“We are looking at domestic resource mobilisation, we are looking for a new programme for agriculture,” he said.

Dr Sani Jauro, Project Coordinator, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Gombe State, described the impact of the project as massive and impressive.

Jauro said through ACReSAL roject, lands had been reclaimed, livelihoods protected and members of the benefitting communities empowered with skills while others employed during project implementation.

He said the project assisted residents with rainwater harvesting facility, adding that, “cumulatively we are harvesting about 1.8 million litres of water.”

The coordinator commended the governor for providing the support, and financial obligations needed for the successful implementation of the projects in the state.

Jauro further lauded the bank for its support towards successful implementation of the SDGs in the state.