IFAD-LIFE-ND trains women, youths, PWD in Rivers State

The federal government/International Fund for Agricultural Development-Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), is training women, youths and persons with disabilities led households in Rivers.

Mr Abiodun Sanni, National Programme Coordinator (NPC), on Saturday, in Port Harcourt, said the training marked a significant milestone in the LIFE-ND project in the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by Sanni on Saturday in Abuja.

The LIFE-ND project is funded by the Federal Government, with an IFAD loan and the support of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as well as counterpart funds from participating state governments.

The nine particites are: Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, Delta, Ondo (funded by IFAD), and Akwa-Ibom, Imo, and Rivers States (funded by NDDC).

LIFE-ND project uses incubator and incubate model as its main objective to foster income generation, food security, job creation for rural youths and women, through sustainable agribusiness development across the Niger Delta.

He identified the training for the first batch of beneficiaries as a crucial step towards equipping the youth, women and PWD led households with necessary skills, knowledge and resources to thrive in the agriculture sector.

He emphasized that youth inclusion in agriculture was vital for ensuring sustainable development, job creation and food security in Nigeria.

“Through this training, we aim to build the capacities of young agripreneurs, enabling them to actively participate in the agriculture value chain, drive innovation and contribute to the economic growth of rural communities.

“The LIFE-ND project is more than just providing resources; it is about empowering our youths, to take ownership of their future, foster community development and create lasting impact in their respective regions.

“LIFE-ND project is unique in its approach, leveraging on innovative incubation model, which allows newcomers in agriculture to learn firsthand from established agripreneurs before the launch of their own businesses,” he said.

“This approach ensures that beneficiaries are well-prepared to transition into successful and sustainable agriculture enterprise,” he said.

Sanni said reintegrated LIFE-ND project, an initiative well supported, underscores collective commitment to transforming the agriculture sector.

“The participating states are Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, Delta, and Ondo (funded by IFAD), alongside Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers States.,” he said.

He commended NDDC for funding the project in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Imo States.

He eulogized Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers and others, who worked tirelessly to bring the initiative to life.

Dr Winifred Madume, Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, NDDC, in the statement described participants as the fortunate few who had been selected as the first batch of successful LIFE-ND incubates in the state.

“Only 350 individuals and 14 incubators (trainers) have met the stringent criteria to participate in the programme out of over 1,000 applicants,” she said.

According to her, the participants’ successes are testaments to their commitment as future agribusiness entrepreneurs within their communities.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi