August 13, 2025 – Benue State’s Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has officially handed over a newly completed 5-hectare Agroforestry Model to Akperan Orshi Polytechnic (AOPOLY), Yandev.
The handover ceremony, held within the institution, brought together the polytechnic management, community leaders, project partners, and other stakeholders to mark the milestone in promoting sustainable land management, environmental conservation, and research.
Speaking on behalf of the State Project Coordinator, Bldr. Victor Ama, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the project, Engr. Samson Naakaa, praised the institution for its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. He stressed that the facility was designed to support both research and practical learning for students and staff.
“This model should not only serve the school but also the host community, allowing them to replicate the knowledge and skills gained here for improved livelihoods and environmental sustainability,” Engr. Naakaa said.
He emphasized that ACReSAL is fully owned by the state and has received strong backing from the State Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia. According to him, the governor’s dedication to environmental restoration and capacity building has made interventions like this possible.
In his remarks, the Rector of Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Dogo Azua Samuel, expressed gratitude to ACReSAL for selecting the institution as the site for the project.
“We will ensure that the facility is maintained, protected, and fully utilized by both staff and students,” he assured. He also commended Governor Alia for his continued support, noting that the model will significantly boost research, teaching, and community involvement.
The District Head of Yandev, Chief Akor Kortsav, who attended with other traditional leaders, thanked ACReSAL for delivering such an impactful project. “The community will fully support the institution and the project team to ensure the success of this initiative,” he pledged.
The contractor, Allied Vision Limited, represented by Engr. Yina Kingsley Delahan, described the project as a product of teamwork between the contractor, ACReSAL, and the institution.
He expressed satisfaction with its timely completion and noted that the facility’s benefits will be long-lasting. Following the handover, stakeholders were given a guided tour of the site, during which the contractor explained its components and demonstrated its operational features.
The 5-hectare Agroforestry Model is set to function as a research and demonstration center, showcasing sustainable agricultural practices including integrated tree-crop systems, soil conservation methods, and biodiversity enhancement.
It will provide hands-on learning for agricultural science students while also offering the local community access to modern, climate-smart farming techniques.
This development aligns with ACReSAL’s mandate to combat land degradation, enhance climate resilience, and improve livelihoods in semi-arid regions through innovative, community-based solutions.
By combining education, community involvement, and sustainable land management, the project aims to create an enduring impact in Yandev and across Benue State.
The event closed with a shared pledge from all stakeholders to transform the facility into a hub for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable environmental practices, ensuring benefits for both present and future generations.