Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba on Saturday flagged off the implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and the construction of the Bobboji Storm Water Flood Control Project in Jalingo.
Kefas also approved the upgrade of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Unit into the Taraba State Agro-Climatic and Watershed Management Agency (TARAWMA).
The governor noted that the move was to establish a permanent institutional framework for watershed restoration, climate adaptation, and sustainable environmental management.
While describing the occasion as a defining moment for Taraba, he expressed appreciation to the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Barabe Lawal, and the World Bank team for their presence and continued support.
He assured them of his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships aimed at reversing environmental degradation and advancing sustainable development.
NAN reports that as part of the rollout, tractors, power tillers, water pumps, clean cooking stoves, and skip bins were distributed to farmers and communities to strengthen mechanised agriculture, improve waste management, and boost food security.
Compensation cheques were also presented to affected landowners under the RAP.
Lawal, in his remarks, commended Taraba Government for aligning with national climate and environmental priorities.
The minister noted that the project would significantly reduce flood risks and environmental hazards while improving public safety and sanitation outcomes.
He outlined further collaboration opportunities with Taraba, including a proposed Rosewood Restoration Plan across Taraba, Cross River, and Benue.
He also mentioned the implementation of the National Clean Cooking Policy to reduce deforestation and support waste-to-wealth initiatives under the Circular Economy Policy.
Lawal further emphasised the urgent need to protect Nigeria’s low forest cover by curbing illegal logging, referencing the Federal Government’s ban on wood exports.
The World Bank Task Team Lead for ACReSAL, Dr Joy Agene, stated that the initiative would create employment opportunities, strengthen security conditions, and economically empower communities within the Bobboji corridor.
She emphasised that climate-smart investments simultaneously drive environmental resilience and local economic growth.
The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change and Chairperson of the ACReSAL Steering Committee in Taraba, Hajiya Aishat Barde, described the Bobboji Storm Water Project as a strategic intervention aimed at addressing persistent urban flooding.
Barde stated that the combined initiatives reflect Gov. Kefas’ visionary leadership and Taraba’s firm commitment to climate action, inclusive growth, and sustainable environmental management.
The commissioner noted that while women were often among the most vulnerable to climate impacts, the governor recognised them as powerful agents of resilience.
She described her appointment to lead the sector as a demonstration of inclusive and transformative leadership in line with global best practices and reaffirmed her commitment to climate justice, women-led solutions, and gender-responsive economic empowerment.
Barde expressed optimism that the intervention would address the recurring annual flooding that has resulted in displacement and loss of lives and livelihoods.
The Taraba ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Dr Clement Giwa, presented progress on land restoration efforts, showcasing implementation milestones supported by geotechnical evidence and field data.
Giwa disclosed that Taraba achieved a 68 per cent performance score at the World Bank Mid-Term Review held in Jos, Plateau, in December 2025, reflecting steady progress under the programme.
