Akwa ibom: The Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project has successfully empowered 1,420 individuals in the Niger Delta region, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, from September 2024 to date.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the LIFE-ND project, funded by both the Federal Government and IFAD, is being implemented by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with additional support from nine participating states. Mr. Solomon Joe, the State Project Coordinator, revealed this during a media tour of the project facilities in the Ibetu community, Mbo Local Government Area. Represented by Mfon Umoeka, the Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, Joe stated that the initiative aims to reach 4,250 beneficiaries from 10 selected communities across 10 local government areas in the state.
The project has reached 350 individuals in the first batch, 500 in the second, and 750 in the third. Initially planned as a 12-year project, its duration was halved due to delays in funding from NDDC, leading to a revised start in September 2025. Within a year, the project has made significant progress.
Dr. Abiodun Sanni, National Project Coordinator of FG/IFAD-LIFE-ND, emphasized the importance of the media tour to provide firsthand insights into the project’s operations. Represented by Jerus Uvieghara, Knowledge Management and Communication Coordinator, Sanni explained that the project focuses on individuals aged 18 to 35, particularly targeting women-headed households, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The LIFE-ND project prioritizes seven key commodities: rice, cassava, palm oil, cocoa, poultry, and fishery. Its overarching goal is to transform the rural economy of the Niger Delta, ensuring prosperity and equal benefits for the rural population. The project seeks to enhance income, job creation, and food security through sustainable agri-enterprise development.
The methodology involves locating experienced agri-entrepreneurs in rural areas and clustering interested youths and women around these enterprises for practical learning experiences. Through this incubator model, trainees, known as incubatees, gain valuable skills and knowledge within the facilities of master trainers, contributing to the overall development objective of the project.