The administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a 400-hectare oil palm plantation in Kiri, Toungo Local Government Area, as part of its strategic efforts to drive agribusiness development, promote job creation, uplift rural communities, and advance land reclamation and conservation initiatives. The Adamawa State ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes) Project, which focuses on sustainable environmental and agricultural transformation, is carrying out this program.

In a breakthrough for the project, Adamawa ACReSAL’s renewed strategy to secure community ownership of the plantation has recorded significant success. During a high-level stakeholder engagement held at City Green Hotel, Yola, 20 key stakeholders from the Kiri community, led by the District Head of Kiri, Alhaji Yahaya Musa, and the Sole Administrator of Toungo West Development Area, Hon. Ahmed Suleiman, unanimously pledged to take full ownership of the project. 

This decision followed a comprehensive sensitisation session that highlighted the plantation’s long-term economic value, job creation potential, and environmental benefits.

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Mohammed Sadiq; representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources; and the ACReSAL State Project Coordinator, Dr. Chinda Dami Ibrahim, attended the engagement. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to inclusive development and grassroots participation in key projects.

This landmark development positions the Kiri palm oil plantation not just as an agricultural venture but as a model of community-driven, sustainable development. By contributing to land restoration and conservation in one of Adamawa’s most promising agricultural zones, the plantation will catalyse economic growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance environmental resilience.

Thanks to this historic breakthrough, the Kiri palm oil plantation is now positioned as a model of sustainable, community-driven development rather than just an agricultural endeavour. The plantation will help restore and conserve land in one of Adamawa’s most promising agricultural zones, boosting livelihoods, stimulating economic growth, and increasing environmental resilience.

By utilising strategic alliances, community involvement, and climate-smart farming methods, Governor Fintiri’s government demonstrates its vision and dedication by turning Adamawa State into a centre for sustainable development and agribusiness innovation.

Source: Daily Trust

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