Mohammed Shosanya
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, had launched an agricultural project for Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers states as part of efforts to boost food security in the country.
The project, Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, LIFE-ND, was launched in Port Harcourt on Friday, brought together representatives of the federal ministries of agriculture, finance as well as the three states.
Speaking at the launching, the NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the Life-ND programme aligns with the efforts of President Tinubu’s administration in ensuring food security across the country by declaring a state of emergency on agriculture.
Ogbuku said, “Today’s launch of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project for the three NDDC-funded states of Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers, is more than a ceremony; it is a bold leap into the boundless world of agribusiness.
“This project is not just ploughing through the fields of agribusiness. It is breaking new ground, cultivating opportunities for wealth and stability. And as we launch this initiative, we are ushering in new possibilities. In the past, agribusiness seemed out of reach for many. But today, we bridge that gap, opening the doors to entrepreneurship, financial independence, and sustainable livelihoods.”
Dr. Ogbuku further stated that the LIFE-ND project would transform the lives of over 38,000 direct beneficiaries, but its multiplier effect will surely touch many more across the Niger Delta, stating: “We are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that our youth and women not only participate in the economy but lead the charge building businesses that uplift their families, their communities, and their futures.
“The partnership with IFAD is a strong vine, one that will continue to grow and bear fruit. With IFAD’s investment of US$60 million and NDDC’s contribution of US$30 million, we are fertilizing the ground for a brighter future.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Olawale Edu, stated that the LIFE-ND was a crucial part of the Federal Government’s strategy to address unemployment, boost food security, and unlock the agricultural potential of the Niger Delta.
The Minister, who was represented by a director in his ministry, Mr. Steve Ohaeri, commended the NDDC for coming up with its counterpart fund for the Life-ND project, urging the Commission to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural programme.
Besides,the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented by Dr Peter Kush, acknowledged that the impact of the LIFE-ND project would upscale agriculture-based enterprises, mentoring thousands of apprentices across the Niger Delta region.
The Country Director, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Mrs. Dede Ekoue, emphasised the goal of LIFE-ND in promoting youth and women agribusinesses, food security, and inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the Niger Delta’s agri-food sector.
According to her, the collaboration with the NDDC on the project had been a huge success.
“I would like to reiterate that IFAD remains a steadfast partner in supporting the development of sustainable rural livelihoods in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole.
“We are confident that through continued collaboration and innovation, LIFE-ND will continue to empower rural communities and contribute to a more prosperous and food-secure future for all.”
Earlier, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, emphasised that NDDC’s partnership with host communities and more particularly the state government, remained crucial in helping the commission achieve its goals.
Governor Fubara,who was represented by his Special Adviser on Civil Society Relations, Prince Achor, also thanked the NDDC MD for not allowing the commission to continue being an avenue for personal vendetta actualisation.
“I want to charge you the MD of NDDC to try and enter into partnership with your host community, especially your host state, considering the role that State governments play in our land use act.
“I must thank you particularly the MD for not allowing your administration to be used for political vendetta, you are not allowing the NDDC that we used to know to be used for political gains by key actors.”
In his speech, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, said that the life-ND project stood as a beacon of hope and progress for Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers States.
“The LIFE-ND project is more than just an initiative; it is a concerted effort to address the challenges faced by our communities and to harness the opportunities for growth and development.
“Our journey towards a more prosperous and sustainable Niger Delta is one defined by shared goals, mutual respect, and the unwavering belief that together, we can overcome the challenges that have long hindered our development.
“Our partnership with IFAD has been instrumental in empowering our farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity. This partnership dates back to 2005 when NDDC supported an initiative of the Federal government with a matching fund with IFAD in the sum of USD15 million for the Community Based Natural Resource Management Programme – Niger Delta (CBNRMP-ND).”
Giving an overview of the project, the National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, said that the success recorded in the initial six states had set a high standard that would be replicated in the newly funded states of Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers.
He added:“For the six states where LIFE-ND (Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Ondo – IFAD funded) has already taken root, we have seen results that are nothing short of inspiring—10 Local Government Areas per state, 10 communities per LGA, each one a testament to the possibilities when we cultivate the right partnerships and persevere in the face of challenges”.
