The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has initiated a training program for 364 young farmers as part of its broader strategy to boost agricultural productivity and promote food security in the Niger Delta.
According to Dr. Winifred Madume, Director of Agriculture and Fisheries at the NDDC, the training is being conducted under the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) initiative.
Speaking from Port Harcourt on Thursday, she revealed that the program is jointly funded by the Federal Government, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), state governments, and the NDDC.
Equipping Farmers for Agribusiness Success
✔ Training 350 incubatees (trainees) and 14 incubators (agriculture groups)
✔ Covering all nine Niger Delta states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, Delta, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers
✔ Providing mentorship by experienced agribusiness professionals
Madume explained that the program’s goal is to transform young farmers into agribusiness entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills needed to build sustainable farming enterprises.
NDDC’s Role in Food Security
She further noted that the NDDC is directly funding LIFE-ND projects in Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers, while Ondo receives support from IFAD. The initiative is designed to:
✔ Boost agricultural production and food sufficiency
✔ Generate income and job opportunities for youths and women
✔ Promote sustainable agribusiness development
“The project aims to create 38,250 agripreneurs through an incubation model that pairs aspiring farmers with experienced entrepreneurs for mentorship,” Madume stated.
Commitment to Agriculture & Rural Development
The National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Abiodun Sanni, emphasized that the program reflects the collective commitment of IFAD, NDDC, and the nine state governments in the Niger Delta.
He highlighted the importance of youth participation in agriculture, stating that:
“Empowering young agripreneurs is essential for sustainable development, job creation, and food security.
This training equips them to actively engage in agriculture, drive innovation, and contribute to the economic growth of rural communities.”
Selection Process & Community Outreach
According to Rivers State LIFE-ND Project Coordinator, Loveday Itatat, the 364 farmers were carefully selected from 30 incubator groups out of 1,568 applicants.
Before the training, awareness campaigns were conducted in 20 communities across five local government areas in Rivers State.
What’s Your Take on This Initiative?
Do you think more youth should venture into agriculture? Drop your comments below!
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