The World Bank has launched 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.
A team from the World Bank visited the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) as part of an Implementation Support Mission.
The delegation, led by Dr. Manievel Sene, the Task Team Leader for the L-PRES Project, also included Dr. Chidozie Onyedikachi Anyiro, the Co-Task Team Leader, and the National Project Coordinator, Mr. Sanusi Abubakar.
During the visit, 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.
According to Sene, the project’s implementation is currently on track, but he emphasised 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, expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far. He noted that Kogi State is taking the lead in the implementation of the L-PRES Project in the Country
He reiterated that the World Bank and the L-PRES Coordinating Office in Abuja are committed 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.”
Abubakar also urged those responsible for implementing the program in Kogi State to ensure strict compliance with the project’s strategy. He highlighted the need for proper documentation of all transactions and correspondence and insisted 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, Ajaokuta; and the Ero Mountain Grazing Reserve in Ero, Ajaokuta Local Government Area.
The Implementation Support Mission concluded with a wrap-up meeting held at the Golden Grand Hotel Conference Room.
