The Taraba State Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Mr. Hananiah G. Albert, has reiterated the state governments commitment to the success of the project, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and strong partnerships for effective implementation.
Albert made the statement while receiving a high-level delegation from the World Bank and the National Coordination Office (NCO) of L-PRES, who were in the state as part of a social safeguard assessment mission.
The visit, as gathered by The Guardian, is part of a broader review exercise being carried out across six states in Nigerias Northeast.
The World Bank delegation was led by Hajiya Zara Binta Goni, a Social Safeguard Specialist. Other members included Barrister Fadimatu Aliyu, Gender and Gender-Based Violence Specialist; Jubabatu Ibrahim from the Operational Unit; and Nazifi Ibrahim Wada, Conflict and Mitigation Officer at the L-PRES National Coordination Office.
While addressing the visiting team, Albert expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project in the state and pledged the governments continued support toward achieving L-PRES objectives.
He noted that community participation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders were critical to the projects long-term success.
During the mission, the delegation toured several key L-PRES intervention sites. These included a solar-powered borehole and a Livestock Service Centre in Sunkani, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area. In Jalingo, the team also inspected major agricultural infrastructure such as the Cold Chain Facility, Disease Surveillance Centre, and Artificial Insemination (AI) Centreall pivotal for livestock health and productivity.
At the Jalingo Ultra-Modern Abattoir located in Wuro Sembe, the delegation engaged with local stakeholders and sensitized community members on upcoming World Bank-supported initiatives. Among these are the development of a biodigester, an incinerator, and a modern waste management system designed to promote public hygiene and environmental sustainability.
The team also visited other critical project sites in Pomi Kareje, including another solar-powered borehole, a pasture development site, and a seed multiplication centreall aimed at building resilience within the agricultural sector.
Impressed by the states implementation of L-PRES, the delegation stated that the missions key objectives were to assess the effectiveness of current social safeguard measures, ensure compliance with World Bank environmental and social policies, offer technical support to local implementation teams, and monitor the progress of ongoing interventions.
They added that the visit also aimed to deepen stakeholder engagement and enhance conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms at both community and state levels.
The delegation reaffirmed the World Bank and L-PRES shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in Taraba State, particularly in transforming livestock production systems and improving rural livelihoods.
