Delta Commends LIFE-ND For Empowering 630 Young Agripreneurs Under New Financing Phase
By PAULINA NZERUBE
THE Delta State Government has applauded the Livelihood Improvement and Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project, supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), for engaging 630 new incubatees under its additional financing phase.
The project, jointly funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria, IFAD, and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has already empowered 4,373 rural youths and women across Delta State through agribusiness ventures since its launch six years ago.
Speaking at the orientation ceremony for the new incubatees drawn from six local government areas, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, commended LIFE-ND for its contribution to youth empowerment and food security.
He noted that agriculture has evolved into a profitable enterprise, stressing the need for young Nigerians to engage in modern farming to meet the nation’s growing food demand.
“This LIFE-ND project is crucial for our youths and women. Food security must be taken seriously not just by the state government but by the entire nation,” Ekedayen said.
The commissioner also acknowledged challenges such as post-harvest losses and fluctuating crop prices, saying the state was collaborating with private investors to establish grain silos in rural areas to boost storage and price stability.
“With proper storage facilities, we can minimize losses, stabilize prices, and make food affordable for all,” he added.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Val Arenyeka, represented by Dr. Edmond Orioko, described the LIFE-ND project as a milestone in youth empowerment, agribusiness development, and rural transformation.
He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, which both prioritize food security and rural prosperity.
“We are celebrating 630 young men and women selected for training and mentorship in cassava, oil palm, poultry, and fish production — key value chains that can transform rural economies,” he said.
In his keynote address, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, LIFE-ND National Project Coordinator (represented by Miss Empress Ekwelie), said the first phase of the project — which began in 2019 — would conclude in March 2025, after which an additional three-year phase (2025–2028) will commence.
He explained that the new phase targets youths aged 18–35 and women-headed households, particularly those already engaged in agricultural enterprises.
Representing the NDDC, Mrs. Stella Manureh reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower youths and women across the Niger Delta.
Earlier, Mr. Collins Ashoro, Delta State Project Coordinator for LIFE-ND, said the orientation aimed to familiarize the new incubatees with the project’s objectives and implementation process.
According to him, the programme is being held in two hubs — Asaba and Ughelli — covering beneficiaries from Ndokwa West, Ika South, Ethiope East, Bomadi, Ughelli, and Okpe LGAs.
“The first phase successfully empowered 4,373 youths and women across 10 LGAs and 100 communities in Delta State through agribusinesses in cassava, poultry, oil palm, and fisheries,” Ashoro noted.
