By Halilu Mohammed Teli
The World Bank has commended Gombe State for providing a conducive environment for the successful conduct of a four-day training for enumerators involved in the third-party assessment of ACReSAL projects.
Speaking at the closing ceremony held at Matrix International Academy in Gombe, the World Bank Team Lead, Mrs Joy Iganya Agene, represented by Mr Joseph Abang, said the state’s stability and organisation present a unique opportunity to showcase its development strides.
“Gombe State has demonstrated a high level of organisation and stability, which is critical for programmes of this nature. This environment gives us confidence that the outcomes of this assessment will truly reflect the realities on ground,” she said.
She also praised the State ACReSAL Coordinator, Dr Sani Adamu Jauro, for what she described as his visionary leadership in driving the programme.
“Dr Jauro’s leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that ACReSAL implementation in Gombe stands out. His commitment and coordination have made this state a reference point,” she added.
Dr Jauro, in his remarks, said Gombe’s selection to host participants from 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory reflects the significant progress recorded under the project.
“Hosting participants from across the country is not by chance. It is a clear indication of the milestones we have achieved and the confidence reposed in Gombe State,” he said.
He attributed these achievements to the continued support of Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
“The successes we are recording under ACReSAL are largely due to the unwavering support of His Excellency, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, whose commitment to environmental sustainability and rural development remains commendable,” Dr Jauro stated.
He urged the enumerators to maintain professionalism and independence as they begin fieldwork, stressing the importance of providing accurate and unbiased data to the World Bank.
“As you proceed to the field, you must uphold the highest standards of professionalism. The credibility of this assessment depends on your ability to provide accurate, objective, and unbiased data,” he cautioned.
Providing further insight into the importance of the exercise, Mr Joseph Abang explained that the third-party assessment is a critical component of ensuring accountability and measuring real impact.
“This process is not just about data collection; it is about validating results, identifying gaps, and ensuring that interventions are truly benefiting the target communities,” he said.
He noted that independent verification strengthens trust between stakeholders and development partners.
“Transparency and accountability are at the heart of World Bank-supported programmes. This assessment will help ensure that resources are being effectively utilised,” he added.
During the training, participants were equipped with digital tools, including iPads and smartphones, to facilitate efficient data collection from project beneficiaries, particularly in rural communities outside the state capital.
The training sessions also featured practical demonstrations, field simulations, and data validation techniques designed to enhance the competence of the enumerators.
“The hands-on training has prepared us adequately for the field. We are now more confident in using digital tools and applying the methodologies taught,” one of the participants said.
Facilitators emphasised the importance of adhering strictly to data collection protocols to avoid discrepancies and ensure consistency across all participating states.
“Uniformity in data collection is essential. Every enumerator must follow the same procedures to guarantee the credibility of the final report,” a facilitator stressed.
Some participants also commended Gombe State’s leadership in implementing ACReSAL initiatives, expressing optimism that the assessment exercise would enhance transparency and strengthen engagement in World Bank-supported programmes.
“The level of preparedness and coordination we have seen in Gombe is impressive. It sets a standard for other states to follow,” another participant remarked.
Beyond the training, stakeholders highlighted that the outcome of the assessment would inform policy decisions, improve project design, and guide future interventions under ACReSAL.
“The findings from this exercise will not only evaluate current performance but also shape future strategies for sustainable land and water management,” a stakeholder noted.
The enumerators are expected to commence field operations in their respective states, marking a critical phase in evaluating the impact and effectiveness of ACReSAL interventions across Nigeria.
“We are ready to deploy and contribute our quota to this important national assignment,” another enumerator affirmed.
The exercise is widely seen as a significant step toward strengthening environmental sustainability efforts and ensuring that development initiatives deliver measurable benefits to communities.
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#NigeriaDevelopment
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#RuralDevelopment
#ImpactAssessment
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