The Chief of Mambilla, in Sardauna local government council of Taraba state, Dr. Shehu Audu Baju II, has pledged the full support of the traditional institution for the successful implementation of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Community Revolving Fund (CRF) Project in Sardauna Local Government Area.

The monarch gave the assurance while receiving the ACReSAL Community Revolving Fund team, led by the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Alhaji Abbas Kaigama, at his palace. He described the initiative as a transformative intervention capable of strengthening livelihoods and promoting sustainable community development.

Dr. Baju commended the project for bringing development closer to the grassroots and assured that traditional rulers would promote transparency, accountability, and prudent management of the revolving fund.

“When communities take ownership of development projects, the benefits last for generations,” the royal father said, urging beneficiaries to protect the programme and ensure its success.

The visit coincided with community mobilisation activities in Mbamga and Gembu, where residents participated in the election of Community Revolving Fund Management Committees, inauguration of Boards of Trustees, and formation of Common Interest Groups (CIGs).

Farmers, traders, women, and youths attended the sensitisation sessions, which focused on the operation of the revolving fund, accountability, and the responsibilities of committee members. Elections were conducted openly, with participants selecting individuals they considered credible and capable of managing the programme.

Representing the Chairman of Sardauna Local Government Area, the Vice Chairman, Rev. Paul G. Ngantem, described the initiative as a timely intervention that places development directly in the hands of the people. He urged the newly elected committee members to serve with integrity and justify the confidence reposed in them.

Speaking on behalf of the State Project Coordinator, Dr. Yakubu Giwa Clement, Alhaji Abbas Kaigama outlined the four components of the ACReSAL Project.

He reminded beneficiaries that the US$25,000 allocated to each participating community is a revolving loan for Common Interest Groups, not a grant, stressing the need for proper management to ensure sustainability and enable more beneficiaries to access the fund.

Also speaking, the Leader of FONGO, Prof. Bashir Abubakar Bashir, said the success of the Community Revolving Fund would depend on unity, honesty, and accountability among beneficiaries. He noted that strong community institutions are essential for sustainable environmental restoration and inclusive socio-economic development.

At the end of the exercise, 10 executives were elected in each of the two communities—Mbamga and Gembu—to oversee the Community Revolving Fund structures.

The activities marked the beginning of the community-led phase of the ACReSAL Project, with residents expressing optimism that the initiative would improve livelihoods, support climate-smart enterprises, and foster sustainable development across the Mambilla Plateau.