NDDC’s $30M Funding Kickstarts Training for 4,250 Agripreneurs in Rivers State

 The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced payment of its $30 million (N45 billion) counterpart funding, paving the way for the training of 4,250 agripreneurs in Rivers State.

 This initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate Rivers, Imo, and Akwa Ibom into the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta of Nigeria (LIFE-ND) program, six years after it began in six other states. 

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) initially funded the first six states with $60 million, while NDDC is now covering the remaining three states.

The program aims to combat poverty and insecurity by empowering vulnerable groups, including youths, women, and persons with disabilities, through sustainable agricultural enterprises. 

During the orientation ceremony in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Maurice Ogolo expressed excitement over the project’s launch, praising both the NDDC and Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara for their commitment after which he flagged offthe event. 

“This is a serious project because it touches the livewire of our dear state with 10 communities in 10 local council areas”.

 “Agriculture is the backbone of our communities. Fishery and crops are important to us. So, take this scheme very seriously because the outcome will change the state.” 

He also hinted at additional support from the state government, including rural road development and market access. “See yourselves as very lucky people,” he told the beneficiaries. 

NDDC’s Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Winifred Madume who represented the Managing Director of  Samuel Ogbuku credited the initiative’s revival to the director’s  leadership.

“For almost a decade, others failed to make this happen, but today, with $30 million released, we are finally here”.

“This project aims to create 38,250 agripreneurs by using an incubation model. You will receive financial and technical support during and after your training”.

She emphasized the focus areas for Rivers State: Fishery, Plantain, Cassava, and Poultry. 

The National Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Abiodun Sanni described the event as a milestone, marking the end of years of delays. 

“The LIFE-ND project is not just about providing resources,” he said. “It is about empowering our youth to take ownership of their future, foster community development, and create lasting impact in their respective regions.” 

Project Coordinator, Rivers State LIFE-ND, Loveday Itatat revealed that 364 beneficiaries were selected from 1,568 applicants, while 14 incubators were chosen from 350 applicants. 

“Prior to this orientation, we conducted a comprehensive sensitization exercise in 2024 across 20 communities in five Local Government Areas in Rivers State”.

There are indications that the Rivers State Government may introduce incentives and awards for top-performing beneficiaries.

An incubator on the program, Clara uranta hinted that some agripreneurs, particularly those in fish farming, could earn up to N500,000 if they fully engage with the training program. 

With the original six states completing their six-year cycle, Rivers, Imo, and Akwa Ibom now begin their journey towards agricultural transformation.