FRIDAY May 2, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
Participants from Akwa-Ibom, Rivers and Imo states-three new states integrated into the LIFE-ND framework-have benefitted from a five-day intensive training aimed at strengthening sustainable agribusiness across the Niger Delta.
The training was organized under the FGN/NDDC/IFAD-assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) initiative, for 60 staff members of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
It is part of efforts to equip its officials with practical knowledge and modern tools to oversee and support agricultural development in their states.
The programme, which held in Sapele, Delta State focuses on building technical and operational capacity across key value chains, including aquaculture, cassava, oil palm, poultry, and rice production.
It draws participants from Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers states—three of the newest states integrated into the LIFE-ND framework.
National Project Coordinator, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, represented by Mrs. Ngozi Ohaechesi said the programme marks a major milestone in strengthening institutional leadership within the NDDC.
“Your presence here shows your commitment to improving the lives of people in the Niger Delta through sustainable agriculture,” she told the participants.
According to her, LIFE-ND, a six-year-old initiative supported by IFAD, seeks to transform rural communities by using an incubation model—training youth and women under experienced agribusiness mentors.
The goal is to boost income, improve food security, and create jobs across the nine Niger Delta states.
Her words: “This training is not just a formality, we expect Songhai to bring in their deep expertise in modern agribusiness systems.
Our aim is to build skills that will directly impact food production and livelihoods at the grassroots.”
Representing NDDC’s Agriculture and Fisheries Directorate, Mr. Frank Tonye stressed the need for continuity.
“Our senior directors will phase out in time. We need our younger officers to be fully equipped to carry the baton.
This is not just about now, it’s about preparing for the future of this programme,” he said.
He emphasized the value of staying aligned with IFAD’s goals, noting that shared training experiences improve synergy between partner institutions and ensure successful outcomes for ongoing programmes.
Mr. Isaac Oghogho, General Manager of Adventium Songhai Delta Ltd., said the training is an opportunity to address real-world challenges in agriculture. “We’ll use aquaculture to evaluate broader issues in the value chain—finance, sustainability, logistics, and market access.”
Participants expressed optimism about the impact of the training. “We’re not here for theory alone,” said Mrs Onyekwere Ogechi, a staff member from NDDC headquarters.
“Once we’re done, we’ll become incubators ourselves—passing the knowledge to others.”
The LIFE-ND project is being implemented across Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers states, with coordination led by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMFAS) and technical support from NDDC as co-funder. Dr. Sanni’s National Project Coordinating Office oversees implementation from Port Harcourt.
LIFE-ND aligns with Nigeria’s Green Alternative policy for agriculture and the NDDC’s regional development goals.
At its core, the project aims to build resilient rural economics driven by skilled youth, modern agricultural techniques, and strong institutional frameworks.
IFAD To Lift Niger Delta Agric Business With Training Of NDDC Officials
