Tor Tiv applauds World Bank for reducing poverty in Northern Region

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The Paramount Ruler of the Tiv nation, Orcivirigh, James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, has  acknowledged the commitment of the World Bank for its sustained development and poverty reduction initiatives in the Northern Region.

He said the bank have made significant impact on the people’s lives on a multisectoral basis across the nation.

Speaking recently in his palace in Gboko when the Project Team Task Leader of Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes, ACReSAL, Joy Iganya Agene paid him homage, Orcivirigh Ayatse stressed the need to deepen the partnership for its effective implementation especially in the areas of agricultural modernization, rehabilitation of cottage industries,  agroforestry, dredging of the River Benue, rehabilitation of moribund cattle ranches as well as support and empowerment for women. 

The Tor Tiv stated further that through the intervention of ACReSAL opportunities for economic growth, social progress and environmental sustainability will be fostered, adding that by learning from individual’s wealth of experience and expertise a brighter future for the next generation will be realized.

Earlier in her address, Agene  disclosed that the ACReSAL project is aimed at contributing to the Federal Government objective to reduce the vulnerability of millions of extremely poor northern Nigeria and strengthen its role in line with achieving environmental sustainability.

According to Agene, the project targets vulnerable and marginalized groups including women, youths, the elderly persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, ethnic and religious minorities across the 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

She noted that the visit to the Tor Tiv was to foster  a cooperation with traditional rulers and community leaders for the important role they  played in the implementation of projects because of their connection and closeness to the rural people.

Responding, Benue State Project Coordinator, ACReSAL, Victor Ama commended the World Bank for choosing Benue State for the implementation of the projects.