The Kogi State Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jatto (OON), has dedicated the National Award conferred on her by the Bureau of Public Service Reform under the Presidency to the Kogi State Government, describing it as a recognition of the state’s sustained commitment to community development since 2016.
Speaking in a telephone interview with journalists in Lokoja, Barrister Jatto said the honour reflects the government’s consistency in implementing people-oriented programmes through seamless transition and continuity in governance.
She explained that the World Bank-assisted ACReSAL project has continued to record remarkable successes due to the Kogi State Government’s commitment to providing counterpart funding, which has ensured the effective implementation of the initiative.
According to her, although the project existed earlier, it only became fully operational in the state from 2016 because of the government’s structured approach to development.
Barrister Jatto commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for sustaining the policies and programmes initiated by his predecessor, adding that the award belongs not only to her but also to Team ACReSAL, Kogi women, and the state’s public servants whose dedication has contributed to the achievements recorded.
She noted that in a society where leadership is often male-dominated, the recognition of outstanding women in public service is a strong indication of progress toward gender inclusion and equal opportunities.
“I give God all the glory for this recognition in Institutional Performance and Service Delivery.
This award validates the commitment of the Kogi State Government to delivering quality service. It will motivate me to work even harder with greater dedication and focus,” she said.
She urged women across the country to embrace excellence, discipline, and commitment in their respective careers, stressing that such virtues would open more opportunities for recognition and leadership.
Barrister Jatto further stated that the award strengthens confidence in Kogi State among citizens, development partners, and investors by demonstrating the state’s capacity to plan, execute, and successfully deliver development projects.
She recalled that Kogi had previously received commendation from the World Bank for prudent management of project funds, describing it as another testament to the state’s transparency and accountability.
She emphasized that ACReSAL is a World Bank-supported intervention funded through a loan that requires counterpart contributions from participating states, praising Governor Ododo for consistently meeting the state’s obligations to ensure the programme’s success.
According to her, the administration’s commitment has enabled the restoration of degraded environments and improved the lives of many residents through projects executed under both the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) and ACReSAL.
Looking ahead, the State Coordinator disclosed that greater emphasis would be placed on monitoring projects across Kogi’s three senatorial districts to ensure quality delivery and sustainability.
She noted that with half of the programme’s six-year lifespan already completed, attention would now focus on sustaining the gains through afforestation with economic trees, water resource management, erosion control, restoration of degraded lands, and intensified advocacy for climate-smart agricultural practices across the state.
