In line with the World Bank guideline aimed at achieving effective and efficient performance of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project in the state, the Kwara State Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Shehu Ndanusa Usman, who also doubles as the Chairman, State Steering Committee; alongside his counterpart and Co-Chairman of the project, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, on Friday unveiled and presented Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Geographic Information System (GIS) equipment to the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) staffs.
The Honourable Commissioners were accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Hajia Afusat Ibrahim to the Kwara ACReSAL office at GRA, Ilorin.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Steering Committee expressed his profound appreciation to the World Bank and indeed the Kwara State Government for extending the benefits of the ACReSAL project to Kwara. He equally commended the SPIU for ensuring that they followed the procurement procedure in acquiring the equipment.
Hon Usman then implored the team to make use of the equipment for the purpose towards which they are meant in order to achieve the ACReSAL Project Development Objectives in the State.
While commending the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq for keying into the project for the growth and development of the state and the progress of the people of the state, the Commissioner underscored that the project is a remarkable one for all and sundry.
He assured the project team of the Ministry's unflinching support for the success of the program in the state.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Acting Project Coordinator, Alhaji Shamsideen Olatunbosun Aregbe, appreciated the Honourable Commissioners and the Permanent Secretary for their resilience towards ensuring that the Project is a huge success in the State.
He noted that the procurement procedures were religiously adhered to and World Bank No Objection was obtained before the contracts for their supplies were entered into.
He assured the visiting Steering Committee members that staff of the SPIU shall strictly make use of the equipment in the interest of the project and for the development of the State.
While taking the Steering Committee members round for inspection of the GIS and ICT equipment, the MIS/GIS Officer, Mr Sherif Olagunju emphasized that with the delivery of the state-of-the-art devices, work of the staffers of the SPIU easier and faster for efficiency and effectiveness thereby enhancing their productivity.
According to Mr. Olagunju, the Kwara ACReSAL office acted in accordance to the World Bank's directive to use the best technology to drive the project, hence resulting in the need to secure the state-of-the-art equipment for the project implementation.
While giving the vote of thanks, the Procurement Officer, Mr Olumide Dada on behalf of the SPIU appreciated the Executive Governor of Kwara State and the Commissioners for the privilege given to the team to serve in the project, promising that the ACReSAL team will strive to achieve the objectives for which the project is established the state.
Okanlawon Taiwo
Communication Officer
KW-ACReSAL.
