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LOKOJA – In an effort to ensure the effective implementation of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Supp-ort Project (L-PRES), a team from the World Bank visited Kogi State as part of an Implementation Support Mission.
The delegation team was led by the Task Team Leader for the L-PRES Project, Dr. Manievel Sene, while team members included: Dr. Chidozie Onyedikachi Anyiro, the Co-Task Team Leader, and the National Project Coordinator, Mr. Sanusi Abubakar.
The three-day visit from Dec 2 to 4, marked the launch of the Fourth Implementation Support Mission (ISM) of the project and provided the team with an opportunity to engage critical stakeholders, inspect project activities, and offer technical advice where necessary.
During the visit, Dr. Sene toured several communities where the project is being implemented.
He urged the State Implementation Committee and project leadership in Kogi State to work diligently to ensure the project positively impacts the lives of the people.
Dr. Sene stressed that the project’s implementation is currently on track, and emphasized the importance of adhering strictly to the strategic plan to maximize its benefits for livestock farmers and the broader population of Kogi State.
In his remarks, Mr. Sanusi Abubakar, the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.
Abubakar commended Kogi for taking the lead in the implementation of the L-PRES project in the country.
He reiterated that the commitment of the World Bank and the L-PRES Coordinating Office, Abuja, to ensuring value for money.
“The project has engaged one of the top international auditing firms, KPMG, to ensure compliance during implementation.
“This includes quarterly reviews, robust monitoring and evaluation, and the submission of annual reports for the second and third project years.
“These reports will guide recommendations for expenditure reimbursement to the State Government,” he said.
Abubakar also urged those responsible for implementing the program in Kogi to ensure strict compliance with the project’s strategy.
He further highlighted the need for proper documentation of all transactions and correspondence, while insisting on transparency in all expenditures, in line with the approved work plan and budget.
Key locations visited by the team included: the E-Extension Centre at the Kogi State Agricultural Development Project (ADP) Office in Felele, Lokoja; the Floating Goat Pen at YISAB Farm in Jida Bassa in Ajaokuta; and the Ero Mountain Grazing Reserve in Ero, Ajaokuta Local Government Area.
The Implementation Support Mission concluded the three-day visit with a wrap-up meeting held at the Golden Grand Hotel Conference Room.
