The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Nigeria, has announced plans to scale up the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project with the goal of creating more than 38,250 new Agripreneur and deepening youth participation across critical agricultural value chains.
This was disclosed by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, at a one-day workshop on “Scaling Up Youth Agripreneurship in Nigeria for Food Systems Transformation” held at the Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja Nigeria’s capital.
Represented by the Acting Director of the NDDC Liaison Office in Abuja, Mrs. Mary Nwaeke, Ogbuku stressed the enormous agricultural possibilities within the Niger Delta and the nation at large.
He acknowledged persistent challenges such as food inflation, fragmented value-chain operations, ageing farmers, limited access to finance, climate-related pressures and inadequate exposure to modern technology.
These obstacles, he explained, should not deter progress but rather serve as catalysts for building a new generation of agripreneurs equipped to revitalise rural economies and reshape Nigeria’s food systems.
Ready to Work
Reaffirming NDDC’s readiness to work with governments, development partners, and private-sector stakeholders, Ogbuku emphasised that meaningful growth in agriculture depends on creating a favourable environment for youth-led agribusiness.
“We are not just building farms; we are building futures. We are not just cultivating crops; we are cultivating prosperity,” he declared.
He described the LIFE-ND project as a transformative platform with the potential to unlock vast economic opportunities for young people across the Niger Delta.
He noted that the NDDC’s US$30 million counterpart funding stands as evidence of the Commission’s unwavering commitment to using agripreneurship as a tool for promoting peace, stability and sustainable development in the region.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s determination to secure the nation’s food systems.
Strengthened Partnership
He called for strengthened partnerships among government agencies, development organisations, and private investors to ensure a robust and efficient food supply chain nationwide.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, commended the NDDC, the LIFE-ND project team, and supporting partners for their continued contributions to national food security initiatives.
He praised the National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND for his commitment to ensuring the programme’s long-term sustainability.
The workshop brought together policymakers, agricultural experts, development partners and youth representatives, all united by a shared vision: empowering Nigeria’s young entrepreneur to drive the transformation of the nation’s food systems.
Olusola Akintonde