LIFE-ND project has completed its first six- year circle and had empowered 4,373 rural youths and women through agribusiness in Delta.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the LIFE-ND Project is sponsored by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), IFAD, and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the State Government.
The State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen made the commendation in an interview with NAN in Asaba at the orientation ceremony for 630 incubatees from six LGAs of Delta under the LIFE-ND first year of Additional Financing Project.
He said that agriculture has rather become a business, adding tha given the growing population of the over 230 million Nigerians, these need to be fed, so, it has become necessary for the youths to go into agriculture to produce more food.
Ekedayen said: “This LIFE-ND project is very important for the youths and women.
Food security is something that must be taking serious not only by the state government but as a country.”
On post harvest losses, and crashing prices of agriculture crops, the commissioner said the challenge has been with the country for decades and has discouraged more people from going into commercial farming.
He expressed optimism that the situation was been addressed from the centre by the Federal Government planning to come up with silos to store the grains and other items to curb post harvest losses and ensure sustainability.
“So, with this the post harvest losses are taken care of and stored for our future use and that way, we are not only guaranteeing price stability for farmers, it will also make food available and affordable for the populace.
“This is what the federal government has just reignited again and most sub-national- states will key into to ensure famers continue to invest in agriculture for food production without fear of losing their capital.”
According to Ekedayen, Delta Government is working out modalities with the private partners to build agriculture silos in rural agrarian communities in the state.
Also, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Val Arenyeka, represented by Dr Edmond Orioko, Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said the LIFE-ND project marked a new milestone in our shared commitment to youths empowerment, agribusiness development, and rural transformation.
“It aligned with the President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” vision and the M.O.R.E Agenda of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to empower rural youths and women through agriculture and food production.
“We are celebrating 630 young men and women selected across our state to be trained and mentored in cassava production, oil palm processing, poultry production, and fish production along with their respective value chains
In his keynote address, the National Project Coordinator, LIFE-ND, Dr Abiodun Sanni, represented by Miss Empress Ekwelie, National Financial Inclusion Specialist of the Project, said the project life circle which began in 2019 ended in March 2025.
According to Abiodun, LIFE-ND haven secured additional financing would run a three year circle from April 2025 to 2028.
“The targeted beneficiaries are persons between the age bracket of 18 to 35 years; women headed household with first child not more 15 years and beneficiary must have been practicing agriculture in the commodity area of their choice for the programme.”
In her opening remarks, Mrs Stella Manureh of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), said that the commission as a major partner in LIFE-ND project, would continue to support projects targeted at empowering youths and women in the region.
The State Project Coordinator, LIFE-ND, Mr Collins Ashoro, said that the purpose of the orientation was to acquaint the Incubatees with the workings of the project, its objectives, expectations, and implementation processes.
He said that the orientation was scheduled to hold in two hubs Asaba and Ughelli. Beneficiaries from Ndokwa West, Ika South and Ethiope East LGAs attended the orientation in Asaba, while those from Bomadi, Ughelli and Okpe LGAs will be trained at Ughelli hub.
“The first phase of the LIFE-ND Project has ended and it has successfully empowered 4,373 youths and women across 10 LGAs and 100 communities it was designated to cover in Delta state along these commodities and it’s value chain; Casava, poultry, oil palm and fisheries,” Ashoro said
