The Federal Authorities says it has to date pumped $40 or N60bn into the agricultural financial system of the Niger Delta.
Within the course of, the Federal Authorities by way of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture with a mortgage from the Worldwide Fund for Agriculture (IFAD) and in partnership with the Niger Delta Improvement Fee (NDDC), has created 26,100 jobs within the rural financial system.
The undertaking is being applied by way of a particular function automobile, Livelihood Enchancment Household Enterprises Challenge within the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND).
Abiodun Sanni, an engineer and nationwide coordinator of LIFE-ND, disclosed these figures in Port Harcourt Monday, July 21, 2025, in the course of the flag-off of the second batch of orientation camp for Rivers State.
Sanni mentioned the undertaking goals at bettering the lives of youths and ladies within the Niger Delta area.
He acknowledged: “For years, we’ve been working within the six IFAD-funded states. We recorded considerable success, creating sustainable jobs to over 26,100 beneficiaries and we’re additionally impacting closely by injecting massive variety of funds.”
He mentioned now that the three NDDC-funded states (Imo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom) have joined, the determine would shoot to 38,250 new jobs quickly; all geared toward guaranteeing that rural poverty is delivered to the minimal stage whereas guaranteeing that the social inclusion within the financial system brings prosperity, progress and course of in our rural group.
“The NDDC now could be to go with with the extra 12,750 and we’ve began the journey. What we’re attempting to do is to scale up our operations and see that largely, we deliver extra youths onboard and tackle the problem of our beneficiaries having the sensation that largely, what we’re doing is just not actual.
“For this specific part we’re focusing on over 500 beneficiaries. We’re the primary set, I’m certain by tomorrow one other set will come and take part on this orientation coaching.”
Sanni mentioned Life-ND is a collaboration of those completely different companions and other people can see that the Nigerian authorities is sort of prepared and fairly targeted and positively impressing and growing the youths of the Niger Delta area. “Right now we’re specializing in Rivers State, within the subsequent few days we’ll be Akwa-Ibom and in addition in Imo.”
Learn additionally: NDDC prioritising projects to touch lives in Niger Delta – MD
He profusely counseled the current management of the NDDC for placing their cash the place their mouth is.
He mentioned when this undertaking was launched, some had been doubting it. “We don’t have doubting Thomases in Life-ND once more. Life-ND is a everlasting undertaking, Life-ND is a chat and do undertaking.”
Talking on the occasion, Stella Manureh, who represented Winifred Madame, the NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, expressed heat greetings from Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC managing director, mentioned to be stuffed with ardour for the agric programme within the Niger Delta.
She noticed that the choice train was very rigorous and congratulated those who scaled by way of.
“The primary batch of incubatees has already accomplished their apprenticeship part and are presently present process mentorship underneath the LIFE-ND Challenge. We’re assured that you just too will benefit from this chance and observe of their profitable footsteps.
“On the NDDC, we’re proud to be a part of this transformative initiative. Our function, as a key associate within the FGN/NDDC/IFAD partnership isn’t just about offering assets; it’s about guaranteeing that we equip the youth, ladies Headed households and other people residing with incapacity with the mandatory abilities, instruments, and networks to succeed.”
She reiterated the tasks on each the incubators and incubatees and urged the incubators to be happy with grooming the subsequent technology of agripreneurs within the oil area. “To the incubatees, that is your second. The assets, information, and help made accessible by way of the LIFE-ND Challenge are designed to propel you towards success.
It’s your laborious work, ardour, and willpower, nevertheless, that can in the end form the result of your journey. The incubation centres are extra than simply coaching facilities-they are platforms for sensible, hands-on expertise that can equip you to thrive within the agribusiness sector.
“As you embark on this journey, I encourage you to embrace the spirit of collaboration. Success in enterprise is rarely a solo endeavor. It takes teamwork, sharing information, and studying from one another. You aren’t simply constructing companies; you’re constructing communities, and that is one thing that may solely be achieved by way of unity and collaboration.”
She reaffirmed the steadfastness of the NDDC to the Life-ND Challenge. “We’re excited in regards to the prospects that lie forward and are assured that together with your ardour, dedication, and the help of your incubators, you’ll attain new heights.”
In his welcome tackle, Loveday Itatat, Rivers State coordinator of LIFE-ND, on the Orientation Camp, mentioned the camp comprised 47 Incubators and 520 Incubatees that emerged from 5000 candidates. He defined the funding construction of the undertaking and mentioned the aim of the undertaking is to remodel the agricultural financial system, guaranteeing elevated earnings, meals safety, and job creation for youth, women-headed households, and individuals with disabilities by way of agri-enterprise growth utilizing the incubation mannequin. “Underneath this mannequin, Incubatees are paired with skilled Incubators for coaching, mentorship, and technical help to construct their very own sustainable enterprises.”
Because the kickoff of the Rivers State wing in September 2024, he mentioned, important strides have been made as 66 of 104 goal communities have already been reached-representing 63.5% protection.
He mentioned the primary batch engaged 350 Incubatees and 25 incubation centres with what he cammed a commendable gender steadiness with 54% feminine and 46% male participation was achieved.
Atatat mentioned about 70 % of the primary batch of Incubatees have been empowered and have commenced their particular person companies.
The remaining 30%, he mentioned, are principally long run incubatees that simply completed their apprenticeship however that their provides had been underway for the required inputs for the graduation of their companies in progress.
He gave beneficiant recommendation to each the incubators and incubatees in Rivers State and counseled the administration of the NDDC for bringing the scheme to the three remaining states.
In his remarks, Maurice Ogolo, Everlasting Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, represented by Nkem Odoya, mentioned LIFE-ND Challenge is for the nice of Rivers State, and is out to enhance livelihoods and promote financial growth within the Niger Delta area.
He mentioned the Rivers State Authorities is dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote financial progress and growth and gave enormous applause to Gov Sim Fubara (suspended) for immediate directive to pay the state’s counterpart fund.
He mentioned: “Might I additionally thank the FG, the current Administration of the NDDC, IFAD”.
Randy Minimah, programe supervisor, Rivers State Agric Improvement Programme (ADP), mentioned: “We now have sturdy conviction that the undertaking beneficiaries will likely be given the mandatory motivation in direction of bettering Agro-business within the state, thereby making meals sufficiency accessible at reasonably priced costs and in addition speed up financial actions for the livelihood and well-being of individuals within the state.
state.”
He mentioned the imaginative and prescient of Rivers State ADP is to work with related stakeholders to construct sustainable agro-business financial system able to delivering prosperity by assembly home meals safety targets, producing exports, supporting livelihood by way of coordinated Extension Providers Supply to small-holder famers who represent 75% of Farm households within the state.”
He warned that Nigeria as we speak is confronted with monumental challenges of unemployment and stagnation with acute poverty. “The one solution to search an actual and lasting answer is our honest involvement in Agriculture.”
He mirrored again to the COVID-19 interval and mentioned it’s disheartening that the chunk of meals provided to weak individuals within the state as palliative had been introduced from outdoors the state whereas he mentioned Rivers State is blessed with fertile soil which might be cultivated to supply sufficient meals for consumption and export.
“We’re subsequently calling on the beneficiaries to dedicate themselves in direction of fostering goodness, self-discipline with nice ardour for buying sensible abilities of Agriculture within the areas of crops, livestock and fisheries.”
An incubator, Ibim Daminabo, mentioned he’s instructing his incubatees how one can fend for themselves in future. “I’m a poultry farmer, so I practice them in broiler manufacturing, on egg advertising and marketing and egg manufacturing.”
One of many trainees, Nwile Stella Kiakah, confirmed the effectiveness of the scheme saying it has uncovered her to lots of issues particularly on how one can develop her personal birds. “I’m going to rear my very own birds after now. I used to be picked from an interview in my village. Those that answered accurately had been chosen.”
Officers say the LIFE-ND undertaking targets a attain of 900 matured enterprises known as “incubators” and 38,250 apprentices. It really works by way of the incubators to mentor the 38,250 apprentices, comprising 25,000 within the 6 IFAD states and 12,750 in 3 NDDC states, to have interaction in agribusiness. It’s anticipated that the apprentices (incubatees) will mature to develop into incubators. “On this method, the revolutionary LIFE-ND undertaking is a sustainable instrument to create gainful jobs for ladies and youth.”
Additionally they added that general, the undertaking targets 50% male and 50% feminine participation. “It really works on seven precedence commodities together with Rice, Cassava, Plantain, Oil Palm, Cocoa, Poultry, and fishery (aquaculture and artisanal) all applied alongside the worth chains of manufacturing, processing and advertising and marketing. The undertaking is geared toward realizing a reworked rural financial system within the Niger Delta from which each inhabitants can derive prosperity and equal advantages.
“The undertaking is domiciled within the rural communities, 10 LGAs and 10 Communities in every LGA”.
