NDDC trains 364 young farmers for life-nd agric project

DDM News

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has officially launched training for 364 young farmers as part of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project in Rivers State, aimed at fostering agricultural entrepreneurship in the region.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) the training, which took place in Port Harcourt, saw 350 incubatees and 14 incubators participating in an orientation session.

Dr. Winifred Madume, the NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, addressed the attendees, urging them to embrace the opportunity as they set out on their journey to becoming agribusiness entrepreneurs.

She emphasized the importance of the initiative, encouraging the young beneficiaries to fully commit to the project’s objectives.

The LIFE-ND project is funded by the Federal Government through a loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with additional backing from NDDC and counterpart funds provided by the participating state governments.

The initiative aims to develop the agricultural sector and uplift rural communities by empowering youth and women, while also addressing food security challenges and creating job opportunities across the Niger Delta.

Dr. Madume highlighted that the LIFE-ND project includes nine participating states, including Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, Delta, Ondo (funded with IFAD), and Akwa-Ibom, Imo, and Rivers States (funded by NDDC).

The project’s headquarters is situated in Rivers State, a location that presents both opportunities and challenges for the participants.

The director shared the vision of LIFE-ND, which is to promote income generation, food security, and job creation by supporting sustainable agribusiness ventures.

The project is designed to foster agripreneurship among rural youth and women through a structured incubation model.

Participants will be paired with experienced agribusiness entrepreneurs who will guide them, providing mentorship and support as they acquire the necessary skills to run successful enterprises.

“This initiative seeks to create 38,250 agripreneurs through an incubation model, pairing you with seasoned entrepreneurs to help you establish and manage your own enterprises successfully,” Dr. Madume explained.

She further emphasized that the incubation model will offer the young farmers the training, guidance, and practical experience they need to succeed in the agricultural sector.

Engr. Abiodun Sanni, the National Project Coordinator for LIFE-ND, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the significance of the training.

He noted that it was an essential part of the collective effort by the NDDC, IFAD, and state governments to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

The training is not just about providing resources; it aims to empower beneficiaries with the knowledge, skills, and tools to thrive in agriculture, driving innovation and contributing to economic growth in rural communities.

“The LIFE-ND project is designed to foster youth inclusion in agriculture, which is critical to ensuring sustainable development, job creation, and food security in Nigeria,” Sanni remarked.

He stressed that the project’s overarching goal is to equip young agripreneurs, including women-headed households and persons with disabilities, with the capacity to actively participate in the agricultural value chain.

By doing so, the project seeks to create a ripple effect, positively impacting local economies and fostering long-term community development.

Rivers State Project Coordinator, Mr. Loveday S. Itatat, congratulated the 364 successful beneficiaries who were selected from a competitive pool of 1,568 applicants.

He noted that prior to the orientation training, a comprehensive sensitization exercise was conducted in 20 communities across five Local Government Areas in Rivers State.

This exercise was designed to raise awareness of the LIFE-ND project and ensure that the selected participants were well-informed about the opportunities the initiative would provide.

“It’s exciting to witness this transformative project come to fruition in our communities,” Itatat said.

“The project aims to drive rural economic growth by providing equal opportunities for youth and women in the Niger Delta region.”

Through this sustainable agricultural incubation model, we are creating pathways for young people to develop skills that will improve their livelihoods, enhance food security, and create job opportunities.

The LIFE-ND project is more than just an agricultural training program; it represents a holistic approach to empowering the next generation of agripreneurs in the Niger Delta.

By focusing on sustainable agribusiness development, the initiative is paving the way for future leaders who will transform the agricultural sector, address food security challenges, and create lasting economic impacts in their communities.

The LIFE-ND project, set to benefit over 38,250 rural youth and women, promises to usher in a new era of agricultural development and innovation in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.

With the support of NDDC, IFAD, and the participating state governments, the project offers a beacon of hope for those seeking to create lasting change through agribusiness.

The training is just the beginning of a journey that will empower local youth and women to build their futures and contribute to the prosperity of their communities.

By equipping young farmers with the skills and resources they need, the LIFE-ND project is not only addressing immediate agricultural challenges but also laying the foundation for sustainable, long-term development in the Niger Delta region.

Kindly share……

Thank you 💕

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook