The World Bank supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing flooding and reducing poverty in Jiwa community, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory FCT.
World Bank ACReSAL Project Task Team Lead, Dr. Joy Agene, stated this at a high-level engagement stakeholders meeting with Dr Musa Idris the Traditional Ruler of Jiwa community a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja .
She emphasized that the World Bank’s core mandate is poverty reduction and explained that ACReSAL’s initiatives align closely with Jiwa’s development vision, particularly in providing alternative means of livelihood and strengthening community resilience.
“Our mission at the World Bank is to reduce poverty to the extent possible, and that aligns with your vision,” she said. “We have seen the commitment, the dedication, and the community buy-in. These have convinced us to work with the good people of Jiwa to address pressing challenges.”
She said
Rainy Season
Dr. Agene identified flooding as a major concern in the community, especially due to poor drainage infrastructure observed during the team’s visit. She assured residents that ACReSAL, in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) leadership and the Jiwa community, would prioritize drainage improvements before the onset of the next rainy season.
“We believe this is something that needs to happen before the next rain season,” she said, stressing the urgency of proactive intervention to prevent recurring flood damage.” She explained
Beyond infrastructure, the ACReSAL project will introduce alternative livelihood programs and establish a Community Revolving Fund (CRF) to strengthen local financial systems. “The CRF is expected to provide structured financial support that empowers residents economically.”
However, Dr. Agene noted that some components of the project would require due process and careful planning before implementation.
“These are things that will take time because of processes that need to be followed,” she explained. “We will continue to engage with you and ensure that preparation time is reduced so that results are seen and felt in this community.”
Dr. Agene also commended the community’s leadership for its strong advocacy for peace and peaceful coexistence, describing it as a key foundation for sustainable development.
She noted that peace-building is an integral part of ACReSAL’s broader objectives and expressed confidence that Jiwa’s existing culture of harmony would support successful project implementation.
“Once your name is mentioned, your advocacy for peace stands out. With that foundation, we know that successful implementation is achievable,” she added.
Dr. Agene commended the community’s leadership for its visionary approach and commitment to development, noting that it played a critical role in attracting the project’s intervention.
The Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat of the FCTA, Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, urged the people of Jiwa Chiefdom to take ownership of the project, cooperate with the FCT ACReSAL team, and safeguard the investments to ensure lasting benefits for present and future generations.
He further noted that the impact of ACReSAL is being felt at the grassroots through initiatives such as the Community Revolving Fund (CRF), which empowers local agricultural businesses, alongside the construction of waste management facilities, solar street lighting and solar-powered boreholes to improve rural livelihoods.
The Project Coordinator of the FCT ACReSAL Project, Mrs. Caroline Opara, disclosed that recent engagements with the Jiwa community identified priority needs including the CRF, solar-powered boreholes, solar lighting, agricultural inputs, and flood control initiatives.
According to her “Community members have also been organized into Community Interest Groups (CIGs), with emphasis on peaceful coexistence and inclusive participation, particularly for women”.
Mrs. Opara expressed optimism that the presence of the World Bank team would help fast-track necessary processes to deliver these interventions.
Responding on behalf of the people, the traditional ruler of Jiwa, Dr. Musa Idris, assured the delegation of Jiwa’s full cooperation in ensuring the successful implementation of the ACReSAL project, emphasizing that the chiefdom remains peaceful and committed to harmonious coexistence.
The monarch stressed that unity must not only be preached but demonstrated through practical initiatives that uplift the people and strengthen bonds across ethnic, religious, and social lines.
Dr. Idris further highlighted the urgent need for youth-focused development programmes, noting that idle young people are often vulnerable to negative influences.
He underscored the importance of skills acquisition, agricultural empowerment, and community-based projects that can productively engage the youth and channel their energy toward nation-building.
According to him, “strategic investment in young people would not only reduce social vices but also secure a more stable and prosperous future for Jiwa Chiefdom.”
A representative of the Jiwa Male and Female Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative, Amina Suleiman, appealed for increased funding to enable the expansion of their poultry farm and banana plantation.
She explained that the cooperative already has adequate land space, but lacks the financial capacity to fully utilize it.
According to her, “additional support would allow members to scale up production, create more jobs, and significantly boost economic activities within the community.”
Similarly, Mohammed Bello Idris of the Jiwa Poultry Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative emphasized the urgent need for increased capital to strengthen their operations.
He noted that due to limited funds, the cooperative is only able to produce at full capacity during festive periods when demand is high.
He appealed to the ACReSAL project to provide financial support that would enable them to sustain year-round production and expand their farming business for greater economic impact.
The ACReSAL team is expected to further engage community members to finalize implementation plans and ensure active local participation.
The ACReSAL project is part of a broader World Bank initiative aimed at building climate resilience, restoring degraded landscapes, and improving livelihoods in vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
In a symbolic show of gratitude and partnership, the Jiwa General Council conferred a prestigious traditional title on the guest in recognition of his commitment and goodwill toward the community.