Over 500 Youths Begin Agribusiness Journey as LIFE-ND Begins Second Batch Orientation in Rivers State

The Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project has commenced orientation training for its second batch of beneficiaries in Rivers State, with over 500 incubatees and 47 incubators officially onboarded to kickstart their journey in agribusiness.

Addressing participants at the orientation event held at GRA Phase II, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Monday, July 21, 2025, the National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Sani Abiodun underscored the project’s growing impact across the region, revealing that more than 26,100 beneficiaries have already been empowered in six participating states.

With the inclusion of Rivers, Imo, and Akwa Ibom States recently funded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the project aims to reach 38,250 beneficiaries within the next three years.

“We’re not just creating jobs, we are building a system that uplifts communities, over $40 million has been injected into rural economies in the Niger Delta, and the results are visible, thousands of youths and women are now running their own enterprises.”

He called on the new beneficiaries to see the programme as a life-changing opportunity.

“LIFE-ND is not a trial project, it is here to stay. All we ask from you is commitment, discipline, and the drive to succeed, your future begins now.”

The LIFE-ND Project is jointly funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria, IFAD, and the NDDC, with counterpart funding from participating states, including Rivers. It uses an incubation model that pairs young people and women with successful agribusiness owners (incubators) for hands-on training, mentorship, and support.

Rivers State Project Coordinator, Loveday Itatat, shared key milestones recorded since the state commenced full field operations in September 2024. According to him, the project has already covered 66 of the 104 targeted communities, representing 63.5% reach.

 The first batch engaged 350 incubatees through 25 incubation centres, and 70% of them have successfully launched their agribusinesses.

“The remaining 30% mainly those who required longer-term training are now receiving tools and inputs to start their businesses”.

 He praised the gender inclusion efforts of the programme, noting that 54% of the first batch were female participants, while 46% were male, meanwhile three local government areas, Khana, Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, were represented during the orientation session.

Representing the NDDC’s Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Stella Manureh emphasised that the Commission’s involvement is more than financial.

“Our goal is to equip youths, women-headed households, and persons with disabilities with the skills and opportunities to thrive. You are not just trainees, you are change-makers,” she told the new incubatees.

The Rivers State Government, through its Ministry of Agriculture, also reaffirmed its support for LIFE-ND. The Permanent Secretary, represented by Nkem Odoya, commended the State Governor for approving counterpart funding and expressed hope that the project would “significantly improve livelihoods and stimulate economic growth.”

“Use this opportunity wisely. Learn, network, and be ready to build sustainable businesses,” she advised.

Also present was the Programme Manager of the Rivers State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Randy Minimah, who called for renewed interest in agriculture.

“It is disheartening that during the COVID-19 palliatives, much of the food came from outside the state. Rivers has fertile land; this project gives us a chance to reverse that trend.

The testimonies from participants were already showing signs of impact, one of the incubatees, Nwile Stella noted she’s gaining more knowledge as a result of the training.

“Before now, I had no knowledge of poultry farming. Now I’m learning how to raise birds and will soon start my own farm”.

An incubator who is into poultry farming, Ibim Daminabo said he was proud to be selected.

“They are learning these skills so that it will help them in future I’m a poultry farmer so I train them in broiler production, on egg marketing and egg production”.

“They came to my community in Izu Egbenu Community and they interviewed me as one of the farm owners and from their interview and I was successfully selected to be an incubator and I’m very glad to train them”.

With orientation underway, the LIFE-ND Project in Rivers State is gearing up to become a national model demonstrating how strategic investment in agriculture can tackle unemployment, reduce poverty, and build resilient rural economies.