The Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has disbursed $25,000 (N38.82million) each to 10 communities that have qualified for the pilot stage of the community revolving fund.
Mahmoud also flagged off the distribution of water pumping machines to community interest groups, motorcycles to the FCT Forest Guards, water tanker and a multipurpose truck to support reforestation efforts of the FCT administration.
The minister who made these presentations to the benefiting communities in Abuja, also acknowledged that the community revolving fund is a pivotal aspect of the agro-climatic resilience in semi-arid landscapes project.
This project according to her is specifically under component B, which focuses on bolstering agro-climatic resilience at both the community and household levels by promoting locally and adapted sustainable land and water management strategies and through climate smart approaches to agriculture and natural resource management.
She stressed that although the fund was provided at zero interest rates, warned that timely repayment is essential for its sustainability and to allow others to benefit.
The minister said: “I urge you to utilize these funds wisely and responsibly, leveraging this opportunity to enhance your socio-economic well-being, improve your livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the development of your communities”.
Mahmoud described the timing of this initiative as apt, and significant as it aligns with the federal government’s strategic efforts to combat the escalating food crisis in Nigeria.
“It further reflects the FCT administration’s dedication to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable groups, thereby fostering a more equitable and resilient FCT,” she added .
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The minister therefore, expressed the administration’s gratitude to the World Bank for its invaluable support and partnership through the project.
Mahmoud pledged that the FCT administration remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of residents and creating a vibrant, thriving city in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Earlier, the FCT Mandate Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Kolo Geidam, explained that the community revolving fund is a pivotal element under the project, aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience and promoting sustainable practices among targeted groups in identified watersheds.
He further noted that the fund is designed to empower local communities by providing them with the financial resources necessary to implement innovative and adaptive strategies, which are crucial for improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security and ultimately enhancing their livelihoods and community growth.
The mandate secretary listed the benefiting pilot communities to include Dafa, Gbako, Sheda, Pukafa, Ike, Tekpese, Wako, Ashara, Gbawuji, and Rugan Bature.
