LIFE-ND Onboarding Begins in Imo as NDDC Reaffirms Commitment to Agribusiness Development in Niger Delta

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the successful implementation of the Federal Government/NDDC/International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project, as the onboarding of incubators and incubatees officially begins in Imo State.

At the orientation flag-off event held on February 7, 2025, in Owerri, Imo State’s representative on the NDDC board, Kyrian Uchegbu, reiterated the Commission’s dedication to ensuring that the project delivers on its promise of empowering youth and women through sustainable agribusiness.

He conveyed the goodwill of the NDDC Managing Director/Samuel Ogbuku, while emphasizing the need for prudent use of allocated funds.

“The MD/CEO of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, extends warm greetings and commitment to the achievement of LIFE-ND in Imo State that is dear to his heart.

He also strongly warns that the fund he allocated to the state should be used judiciously for the betterment of the women and the youths”.

The LIFE-ND project, a partnership between the Federal Government, IFAD, and NDDC, aims to drive income generation, job creation, and food security by fostering agribusiness enterprises.

While NDDC has played a significant role in funding the program across its designated states, Imo State is now set to implement its first batch of beneficiaries.

In her welcome address, the Imo State LIFE-ND Project Coordinator, Victoria Igboanugo, acknowledged the immense contribution of NDDC to sustaining the project while applauding Governor Hope Uzodimma for his proactive stance.

She noted that Imo was the first NDDC state to pay its counterpart fund in 2020, which ensured that the initiative remained viable.

“The financial commitment of NDDC towards the end of last year cannot be forgotten in a hurry, for they (NDDC) are our backbone and we appreciate them so much, but just like Oliver Twist, ‘we want some more,’ and we are hopeful that they (NDDC) are ever-willing to do their best, as we so much believe in their ability to deliver”.

She further expressed optimism about the project’s long-term impact, emphasizing that it will promote job creation, self-sufficiency, food security, and reduce youth restiveness.

Imo’s LIFE-ND program will focus on four priority agricultural value chains: Rice, Cassava, Poultry, and Fishery, leveraging on an incubation model where new agripreneurs (incubatees) will be mentored by experienced farmers (incubators).

Delivering the keynote address, the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries at NDDC reaffirmed that the LIFE-ND project is a game-changer for the rural economy of the Niger Delta.

He emphasized that the initiative is not just about providing resources but also about equipping participants with the skills needed to thrive in the agricultural sector.

“The LIFE-ND project is jointly funded by the Federal Government through a loan from IFAD, with additional support from NDDC and state counterpart funds.

The main objective is to enhance income, create jobs, and improve food security for rural youth and women by fostering sustainable agribusiness enterprises”.

He also noted that the project aims to create 38,250 agripreneurs across the Niger Delta by pairing them with experienced business owners who will guide them toward self-sufficiency.

The program targets unemployed youth, women-headed households, and persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in agricultural development.

The National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Abiodun Sanni, in his remarks, emphasized the uniqueness of the initiative, noting that it leverages a world-class incubation model that allows participants to gain hands-on experience before launching their own agribusiness ventures.

“The LIFE-ND project is more than just providing resources, it is about empowering our youth to take ownership of their future, foster community development, and create lasting impact in their respective regions. This project is a partnership, and your success is our collective success”.

The event witnessed an impressive turnout of incubators and incubatees, reflecting the enthusiasm of Imo residents toward the initiative.

Stakeholders expressed confidence that the project would significantly impact the local economy by increasing food production, reducing unemployment, and positioning agriculture as a lucrative career path for young people.

As Imo State embarks on onboarding its first batch of beneficiaries, the NDDC’s financial commitment and technical support remain instrumental in ensuring the project’s success.

With the state’s proactive approach and the collaboration of all stakeholders, LIFE-ND is set to redefine agribusiness in Imo and across the Niger Delta region.