Mai Tula Pledges Traditional Leaders’ Backing for ACReSAL Catchment Plans

The Mai Tula, Alhaji Abubakar Buba Atare, has assured the Federal Government of the unwavering support of traditional institutions in implementing nine validated Strategic Catchment Management Plans (SCMPs) under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project.  

Speaking at the conclusion of the appraisal and validation exercise in Abuja, the Royal Father commended the World Bank and the Federal Government for establishing ACReSAL, describing it as a “noble initiative” that strengthens shared values of excellence and sustainable development.  

“As a royal father, I want to say that ACReSAL has come to stay in Gombe State. It is now a household name and has secured community buy-in from residents,” he declared.  

Representing the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Director of Sanitation Sakinatu Abojimeta highlighted the milestone as a crucial step in Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable water resources management. She emphasized that catchments form the foundation of water systems, influencing water availability, ecosystem health, agricultural productivity, and livelihoods.  

ACReSAL Co-Task Team Leader, Dr. Chinedu Umolu, described the validated plans as central to the project’s vision, enabling stakeholders to address challenges and define roles for effective resource management. National Project Coordinator, Abdulhamid Umar, urged participating states to accelerate the development of micro catchment management plans at subnational levels to ensure meaningful progress.  

From Gombe State, Project Coordinator Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro noted that the state’s 32 forest reserves are now receiving renewed attention through Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration and ACReSAL investments. He appealed for priority consideration of areas such as Maiganaga to harness their potential.  

The validated SCMPs include Zubgur-Gongola, Gaji-Lamurde, and Hawul-Kilunge, covering Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Yobe, and Taraba States.  

Stakeholders at the event—including academics, community leaders, traditional rulers, and experts from ministries, departments, and agencies—pledged their commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the plans.