The Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has officially flagged off the implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and the construction of the Bobboji Storm Water Flood Control Project in Jalingo, alongside the declaration of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Unit into a full-fledged agency.
The programme featured two phases: a field visit to the Bobboji project site for the formal flag-off of the Storm Water Drainage Control Project, followed by a main ceremony at the Jolly Nyame Stadium.
At the project site, the Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change and Chairperson of the ACReSAL Steering Committee, Hajiya Aishat A. Barde, described the Bobboji Storm Water Project to Gov. Kefas as a strategic intervention aimed at addressing persistent urban flooding, improving environmental sanitation, strengthening climate resilience, and enhancing adaptive capacity and sustainability within the Bobboji axis.
The World Bank Task Team Lead for ACReSAL, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, stated that the initiative would create employment opportunities, strengthen security conditions, and economically empower communities within the Bobboji corridor. She emphasized that climate-smart investments simultaneously drive environmental resilience and local economic growth.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, commended the Taraba State Government for aligning with national climate and environmental priorities. He noted that the project would significantly reduce flood risks and environmental hazards, while improving public safety and sanitation outcomes.
At the project site, Governor Kefas formally flagged off the implementation through a practical demonstration, signaling the commencement of construction and restoring hope to residents of the Bobboji neighbourhood.
The intervention is expected to address the recurring annual flooding that has resulted in displacement, as well as the loss of lives and livelihoods.
During the main event, Governor Kefas approved the upgrade of the ACReSAL Unit into the Taraba State Agro-Climatic and Watershed Management Agency (TARAWMA), thereby establishing a permanent institutional framework for watershed restoration, climate adaptation, and sustainable environmental management across the state.
Describing the occasion as a defining moment for Taraba State, the Governor expressed appreciation to the Minister and the World Bank team for their presence and continued support. He assured them of sustained collaboration and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships aimed at reversing environmental degradation and advancing sustainable development.
As part of the rollout, tractors, power tillers, water pumps, clean cooking stoves, and skip bins, were sumbolically 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 Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), reaffirming the Governor’s commitment to fairness and responsible development.
Also speaking at the main ceremony, the Minister outlined further collaboration opportunities with Taraba State, including a proposed Rosewood Restoration Plan across Taraba, Cross River, and Benue states; implementation of the National Clean Cooking Policy to reduce deforestation; and support for waste-to-wealth initiatives under the Circular Economy Policy.
He emphasised the urgent need to protect Nigeria’s low forest cover and curb illegal logging, referencing the Federal Government’s ban on wood exports.
The Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aishat A. Barde, welcomed the Minister and other dignitaries, and highlighted the vital role of women in climate resilience.
She noted that while women are often among the most vulnerable to climate impacts, Governor Kefas recognises them as powerful agents of resilience.
She commended his appointment of a woman to lead the sector as a demonstration of inclusive and transformative leadership aligned with global best practices, and reaffirmed her commitment to climate justice, women-led solutions, and gender-responsive economic empowerment.
The Taraba ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Dr. Clement Giwa, presented progress on land restoration efforts, showcasing implementation milestones supported by geotechnical evidence and field data.
He disclosed that Taraba State achieved a 68% performance score at the World Bank Mid-Term Review held in Jos, Plateau State, in December 2025, reflecting steady progress under the programme.
The combined initiatives are said to reflect Governor Kefas’ visionary leadership and Taraba State’s firm commitment to climate action, inclusive growth, and sustainable environmental management.