… as IFAD commends Okpebholo’s support for LIFE-ND project
By Edward Oseghe
The Edo State Government has reiterated its commitment to agricultural transformation through enhanced collaboration with the Federal Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND).
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, stated this at the Inception Workshop of the 5th Joint Supervision Mission of the FGN/NDDC/IFAD-Assisted LIFE-ND Project, held on Wednesday in Benin City.
Represented by Princewill Edoba Igbinedion, Programme Manager, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Edo State, Dr. Uwangue said LIFE-ND continues to make remarkable contributions to the agricultural transformation vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
He disclosed that the project, through its innovative incubation model, has empowered 4,300 agripreneurs and 3,800 youths and women across various local government areas, equipping them with skills and resources to manage viable agri-businesses.
“LIFE-ND has recorded notable achievements in mentorship, cluster development in poultry, fisheries, cassava, and rice value chains, as well as the promotion of climate-smart practices.
“It has also strengthened rural infrastructure and market linkages, boosting productivity and improving incomes for smallholder farmers,” he said.
Uwangue added that the state government continues to provide policy support, counterpart funding, and an enabling environment to ensure effective delivery of the project’s objectives.
He further revealed that Governor Okpebholo has pledged continued support for LIFE-ND’s implementation, with plans to expand it to eight additional local government areas, expected to benefit another 3,000 women and youths.
In her remarks, Mrs. Dede Ekoue, Country Director and Head of Mission, IFAD Nigeria, commended the Edo State Government for its exemplary leadership and commitment to food security, job creation, and sustainable rural livelihoods.
“We appreciate the state’s strong support, especially in championing the LIFE-ND+ scale-up initiative.
“This reflects a shared vision for youth and women empowerment and inclusive agricultural transformation,” she said.
According to her, LIFE-ND has empowered over 26,000 smallholder farmers, created 23,751 agribusiness enterprises, and partnered with 966 SMEs serving as incubators. She noted that the project has generated ₦31 billion (USD 49.7 million) in sales, mobilized USD 1.2 million in credit, and built strong food system resilience across the Niger Delta.
Beneficiaries from Edo State, including Grace Nwozuzu and Marvis Edogiawerie, expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo and project partners, describing LIFE-ND as a life-changing initiative that has improved livelihoods and created hope in rural communities.
The workshop featured presentations on the implementation status of previous supervision recommendations, an overview of LIFE-ND activities by Dr. Abiodun Sanni, the National Programme Coordinator, and the presentation of the 5th Supervision Mission Roadmap by the lead consultant.
