From Streets to Farms: IFAD, LIFE-ND, NDDC, RSG Project Gives Niger Delta Youths a New Beginning

The youths of the Niger Delta have been at the center of narratives about militancy, unemployment, and economic struggles but a fresh wave of transformation has swept through it as the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project takes off in three more states of Rivers, Imo and Akwa-Ibom.

Six years after it began resiliently in six states, it has commenced in the remaining states covering all states in the Niger Delta.

An Incubator on the program, Clara Uranta, a fish trader with over 30 years of experience, sees it as a beacon of hope for the next generation.

“I was brought up in this business, this project is encouraging young people to come into agriculture instead of roaming about here and there in the street. I will encourage our leaders that not only bringing us here, they should continue and to empower them so they can be who they want them to be.”

The LIFE-ND project, jointly funded by the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Federal Government and Rivers State Government aims to create 38,250 agripreneurs across the region.

Revealing at the onboarding seesion on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Project Coordinator, Loveday Itatat noted that through an incubation model, participants will be mentored by established business owners like the master- apprentice system like Uranta before launching their own enterprises.

For incubatee Chukwuemeka Emmanuel from Opobo/Nkoro LGA, the project represents an opportunity to rewrite his story.

“I chose the fishing aspect because I want to be able to supply food to people who aren’t lucky enough to be part of the program, We didn’t pay a dime, they came to our community, interviewed us, and gave us forms to fill. No politics, just opportunity.”

The Rivers State government, recognizing the potential of the project, wasted no time in providing the required counterpart funding, the Permanent Secretary of the State’s Ministry of Agriculture, Maurice Ogolo praised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment.

“When the governor was told about the need to provide counterpart funding, he approved it within 24 hours,” Ogolo said. “He understands that by empowering the youth today, we are securing the future of agriculture in Rivers State.”

The National Coordinator of the LIFE-ND project, Abiodun Sanni emphasized that the initiative is not just about funding but about fostering long-term economic transformation.

“This project will catalyze the rural economy, create wealth, and open up job opportunities, the impact will be felt not just by the participants but by entire communities.”

Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, NDDC, Winifred Madume who represented the Managing director Samuel Ogbuku urged incubatees to actively participate in the program.

” Let me emphasize that the success of this project hinges on your dedication and active participation in your chosen enterprises”.

Madume also assured that change of leadership won’t stop the program, firmly she assured it’ll continue when asked by pressmen.

As training begins in the three states, the hopes of these young agripreneurs rest on the promise that this is not just another government initiative that will fade away.