By Edward Oseghe
The Edo State Government, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project, has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning agriculture as a cornerstone of its transformation and food security agenda.
The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, represented by the Programme Manager of the Edo Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Princewill Edoba Igbinedion, disclosed this on Tuesday during the opening session of the 6th Orientation Workshop for IFAD LIFE-ND incubatees and incubators held in Benin City.
Dr. Uwangue described the initiative as a platform that brings together the next generation of agripreneurs who will play a pivotal role in shaping the agricultural future of Edo State.
Speaking on the theme, “Building a New Generation of Agripreneurs for Sustainable Food Security in Edo State,” the Commissioner noted that the LIFE-ND Project continues to empower rural youths and women to engage meaningfully in agriculture.
“The IFAD LIFE-ND project aligns perfectly with our state’s vision—to nurture young farmers into successful agripreneurs capable of transforming subsistence farming into profitable agribusiness ventures,” Dr. Uwangue said.
He added that with 630 incubatees and incubators currently participating, the state government is not merely training individuals but building a new generation of innovators, leaders, and wealth creators who will drive Edo State towards self-sufficiency in food production.
“Our Ministry remains committed to supporting all LIFE-ND beneficiaries through improved access to inputs, extension services, value chain development, and linkages to markets,” he said.
“We are also integrating LIFE-ND initiatives into the broader state agricultural transformation framework to ensure sustainability beyond donor support,” he added.
Dr. Uwangue further emphasized that the Edo State Government will continue to provide an enabling environment for agribusiness to thrive through policies that promote mechanization, irrigation, access to finance, cluster farming, and private-sector collaboration.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the State Project Coordinator, LIFE-ND Project, Mr. John Omoruyi, explained that the project is designed to promote inclusive and sustainable rural economic growth.
“The project aims to address youth unemployment, improve household incomes, and enhance food security by supporting agribusiness enterprises through a structured incubation model,” Omoruyi stated.
He added that the beneficiaries would gain both technical skills in modern agricultural practices and business management capabilities to become self-reliant agripreneurs driving Edo’s agricultural economy.
Omoruyi revealed that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has facilitated the engagement of over 3,000 women and youths as agripreneurs in cassava, rice, fish, and poultry production, alongside corresponding value-chain development and business development services (BDS).
“His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo administration’s commitment to repositioning agriculture as a viable engine for economic growth aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Federal Government, NDDC, and IFAD LIFE-ND Project,” he noted.
In their goodwill messages, the National Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Dr. Sanni Abiodun, represented by Mrs. Justina Oseagwina, and the NDDC Edo State Director, Mrs. Babawale, represented by Mrs. Clementina Osabuohien, urged the incubatees to make the best use of the opportunity, emphasizing that modern agriculture is driven by innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Two beneficiaries, Monday Osarenren and Precious Avwerous, expressed appreciation to the government for prioritizing agricultural mechanization, youth empowerment, job creation, rural development, industrialization, and sustainable food production.
