The Abia state Livelihood Improvement Enterprises Niger-Delta LIFE-ND has graduated 616 beneficiaries trained on cassava production, rice production, palm oil production and poultry production in the ongoing additional funding of batch one of the project.
During the event, out of the 616 graduands, 100 of them were empowered with the sum of 472,000 naira each as start-up capital in the first batch.
The event tagged Abia LIFE-ND Flag-Off and Graduation Ceremony took place in Umuahia, the Abia State capital on Tuesday.
The blissful event which kept beaming smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries was witnesses by the Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, Olatunde Bumi Ogunleye, representative of LIFE-ND National Project Coordinator (NPC) and other stakeholders.
According to Dr. Uchenna Onyeizu, the State Project Coordinator (SPC) of Abia LIFE-ND in his speech said 332 beneficiaries will also be empowered with inputs for production while the grand total number of persons expected to be empowered in the current additional financing of LIFE-ND project of 2025 incubation year is 608.
Dr. Onyeizu also acknowledge the achievement of Abia LIFE-ND as one of the success story of the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Otti, whose administration he described as ‘‘redefined governance” with a strong emphasis on productivity, economic inclusion, and agricultural transformation.
Dr. Onyeizu said with Governor Otti’s leadership, ”agriculture in Abia State is no longer treated as a subsistence activity but as a strategic economic driver.’’
‘‘His administration has recorded notable achievements that continue to strengthen agricultural development in the state. These include the aggressive rehabilitation of rural road networks, which has drastically improved farm-to-market access, reduced post-harvest losses, and enhanced the profitability of agribusinesses. Beyond infrastructure, the Governor has prioritized ease of doing business in agriculture by promoting private sector participation, strengthening value chains, and supporting agribusiness financing initiatives.’’ Dr. Onyeizu added.
The commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Agbaeze in his remark applauded the efforts of LIFE-ND for joining the quest of fighting food insecurity which he described as ‘‘the worst form of insecurity’’ in a state and country. He charged the beneficiaries to use the knowledge acquired to increase agro productivity in the state and country at large as he described them as ‘‘the new revolution of agriculture in Abia state.’’
Dr. Agbaeze also added that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is committed to policies and programs that will enhance agricultural productivity, create employment and improve livelihood.
‘‘We will continue to support LIFE-ND initiative that aligns with our vision of a prosperous and food secured state.’’, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze said.
Olatunde Bumi Ogunleye, the representative of the LIFE-ND National Project Coordinator (NPC) Sani Abiodun, in his speech stated that the core responsibility of the national body of LIFE-ND project is monitoring. He thanked Abia state government for creating the enabling environment for the LIFE-ND to thrive. He congratulated the beneficiaries and reminded that one of the goals of the project is to transform the rural economy. He charged them to take cognisance of the agricultural seasons within their choice of agro training and utilise the planting and harvesting seasons for maximum production.
Highlight of the event was the handing over of the certificates and cheques to the beneficiaries.
Uchendu Emmanuel, a beneficiary of the project trained on rice production expressed joy for being a graduate of the project and also one of the beneficiaries of the start up capital. Emmanuel thanked LIFE-ND for the opportunity and vowed to invest it in his rice farming business.
Gerald Greenmary, also a beneficiary of the project said she feels like starting right away having her start-up capital. She expressed appreciation for LIFE-ND and the government of Abia state.
The Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta of Nigeria (LIFE-ND) aims to address the growing numbers of restive youth by sustainably enhancing incomes and food security, and by creating jobs for rural women and youths in the Niger Delta. The project is also aimed to build on the successes of earlier IFAD-supported projects to develop the supply of skilled youth labour, and strengthen the capacity of institutions at the state and community levels to work with private-sector actors.
The LIFE-ND project is been implemented in the nine Niger Delta states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers. It is targeted to engage 25,500 youth and women, as well as 600 established and potential enterprise incubators. The beneficiaries are youths between aged 18 to 35 years and women-headed households with children under the age of 15. Overall, the project aims to have a 50 per cent female participation rate.
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