15/10/2026
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15th October, 2026
In a significant step towards enhancing climate resilience and promoting agricultural sustainability, the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Niger Basin (PIDACC/NB), in collaboration with the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), has conducted a formal community entry and sensitisation exercise and inaugurated the Village Natural Resources Management Committee (VNRMC) in Gbodoti Community, Edati Local Government Area of Niger State.
The event marked the commencement of activities under the Rice Agroforest Integrated System Enterprise (RAISE) sub-project. The delegation from the PIDACC/NB/UNRBDA State Project Implementation Unit (SBPIU) comprised professionals from UNRBDA and other relevant state ministries. The primary objective of the visit was to promote inclusive community participation and ensure the long-term sustainability of the intervention.
During the exercise, the team carried out a series of activities aimed at laying a solid foundation for the successful implementation of the project. These included the formal introduction of the project team to the community and a comprehensive sensitisation session to educate community members on the objectives, benefits and implementation arrangements of the RAISE sub-project.
To ensure broad ownership and inclusiveness, the team engaged extensively with community leaders, women, youths and other relevant stakeholders. A major outcome of the visit was the inauguration of the VNRMC, which is tasked with promoting community participation, overseeing the intervention, protecting project resources and ensuring their sustainable management.
The committee members and other community stakeholders also discussed their respective roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and maintaining the facilities provided under the project.
Furthermore, the team identified community concerns, needs and recommendations regarding the proposed intervention and undertook other preliminary activities necessary to facilitate the successful implementation of the project.
The visiting delegation was received with great joy and hospitality. Community members turned out in large numbers to welcome the team with music and dancing, demonstrating their enthusiasm and support for the intervention.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Contact Person, Hon. Jacob N. Yisa, Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture; the traditional leader, Mal. Mohammed Mohammed Ebatsaragi (Luchi/Etsu Yankpa) of Gbodoti; the Chief Imam; and other community leaders.
Also in attendance were Umar Adamu, Secretary of Council, representing the Executive Chairman, Hon. (Col.) Usman A. Ndana (Rtd.); Rt. Hon. Idris Mahmud Enagi, Speaker/Councillor representing Enagi Ward; Hon. Abdullahi A. Musa, Councillor representing Guzzan Ward; and Adamu Abdullahi, Information Officer/Etsu Yankpa Kwale, alongside other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the inauguration on behalf of the Executive Chairman, the Secretary of Council, Umar Adamu, expressed the local government's profound appreciation to the PIDACC/NB and UNRBDA team for bringing the RAISE sub-project to the community. He assured the delegation that the community would embrace the intervention and strictly adhere to the established guidelines to ensure its successful implementation and sustainability.
In his vote of thanks, the traditional leader, Mal. Mohammed Mohammed Ebatsaragi, expressed his joy and gratitude for the intervention. He emphasised the importance of the VNRMC's roles and responsibilities and urged committee members to remain committed to ensuring the success of what he described as a βmonumental opportunity.β He concluded by offering prayers for the success of the project and the PIDACC/NB team.
The RAISE sub-project, under PIDACC/NB, aims to promote integrated development and climate change adaptation within the Niger Basin through sustainable agricultural practices and effective natural resource management. The establishment of the VNRMC represents a strategic step towards strengthening community-level governance, encouraging local ownership and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project's benefits.
Signed:
Jibrin Ahmed Enagi
Chief Press Secretary
To the Executive Chairman
Edati Local Government.