The Kwara Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project has extended its community sensitization efforts to Ipetu-Igbomina in Irepodun Local Government Area. This mission is part of an ongoing strategy to consolidate the project's developmental objectives and ensure seamless execution in targeted communities across the state.

State Project Coordinator, Alhaji Shamsideen Olatunbosun Aregbe, emphasized that the purpose of the visit was to educate and enlighten local residents on the importance of the ACReSAL project, which is designed to combat the effects of climate change, revitalize agricultural productivity, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. The Coordinator, represented by Project Engineer Engr. Hussein Abubakar Sadiq, reiterated that the project aims to boost socio-economic wellbeing by mitigating the impact of semi-arid landscapes on agriculture.

Similar sensitization campaigns have already been conducted in other communities, with a focus on fostering a better understanding of the project's long-term benefits for both the environment and the people. The community members of Ipetu-Igbomina were encouraged to embrace the project for its potential to bring lasting positive changes to agriculture and communal living.

He appreciated the State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unflinching efforts at promoting the State's economic and agricultural development which has gone a very long way in boosting food security and enhancing food productivity.

The State Project Coordinator further explained that the ACReSAL project is a World Bank-supported multi-sectoral project in the 19 Northern States including the FCT with Kwara State as one of the participating states. In his words, the project is aimed at mitigating and restoring degraded lands, address the problem of water shortage, deforestation and other challenges associated with climate change.

Speaking on the project components, Aregbe emphasized that the Ipetu community is one of the beneficiaries of the project, adding that by the time the project is fully implemented, the community would be significantly impacted positively.

Receiving the KWACReSAL team, His Royal Highness, the paramount ruler of Ipetu-Igbomina, Oba Samuel Olabanji Olanrewaju Erinfolami, expressed his delight to the Executive Governor of kwara State, Mallam AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman for considering his community worthy of hosting such an important project. He assured the team of his community's support in realising the project objectives.

The Monarch also assured of the cooperation of his people, stating that nursery would be jealously guarded and protected. In the words of His Royal Highness, "it delights us that Ipetu- Igbomina is included in this project, as a community we are ready to work with you" he said.

Speaking on the "establishment of nurseries and its benefits", the Agric Officer, Mrs Temitope Oke said the nursery contains exotic and hybrid seedlings which will benefit not only the community but other communities facing the challenges of land degradation and erosion.

On her part, the Gender Based Violence Officer, Mrs Eniola Aina emphasised the importance of ensuring that female inclusiveness is key in achieving the project's objective. She emphasized that the project encapsulates gender balancing as females take 40% of the project's implementation, just as the inclusion of the vulnerable and marginalized groups is key. Aina noted that the project frowns at discrimination against group selection to achieve success.

Giving the closing remarks, the Asanlu of Ipetu-Igbomina, Chief Mohammed Adebayo Owolabi, implored that indigenes of the community should be employed to work at the project site to enhance communal sense of belonging and sustainability. He assured of their readiness to support the project to its fullness, stating that any act of violence will not be condoned by the community in the course of the project implementation.