Edo Govt, IFAD Launch Life-Changing Livelihood Programme for 630 Youths and Women

Edo Govt, IFAD Launch Life-Changing Livelihood Programme for 630 Youths and Women

Habiba SamIn a significant step towards empowering young people, women, and individuals with disabilities, the Edo State Government, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has launched a comprehensive livelihood programme aimed at transforming the lives of at least 630 beneficiaries. 

The programme, known as the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), kicked off with an orientation ceremony in Benin City.

Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, Commissioner for Agriculture, Jerry Uwangue, emphasized the administration's commitment to modernizing agriculture and ensuring food security in the state. 

He highlighted the importance of agriculture as a pathway to prosperity and economic development, noting that the government's agricultural initiatives are designed to empower rural youth and women to engage meaningfully in agriculture.

The Programme Manager, Edo ADP, Mr. Princewill Igbinedion, who stood in for Commissioner Uwangue, thanked IFAD and the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for their consistent partnership and support for the project. 

Governor Okpebholo's representative reiterated the administration's commitment to nurturing young farmers into successful agripreneurs who can transform subsistence farming into profitable agribusiness ventures.

According to Governor Okpebholo, the LIFE-ND project objectives align perfectly with the vision of his administration to promote agricultural transformation and food security.

 "With 630 incubatees participating, we are not just training individuals; we are breeding a new generation of innovators, leaders, and wealth creators who will drive Edo State toward self-sufficiency in food production," he said. 

The Ministry of Agriculture remains committed to supporting all LIFE-ND beneficiaries through improved access to inputs, extension services, value chain development, and linkages to markets.

The Edo Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Mr. John Omoruyi, expressed the Governor's commitment to strengthening food security and empowering youths in agriculture. 

He disclosed that large hectares of land would be made available for beneficiaries and that many youths would be trained along business lines in agriculture. The project will be sustained across the 18 local government areas in the state.

In a note of caution, the Agribusiness Promotion Coordinator of the project, Esenwa Anthonia, urged the beneficiaries to take the project seriously, warning that those found not performing would be replaced. The National Coordinator of the project, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, represented by Osaegwiwa Justina, expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, noting that the project has overcome initial challenges and is now attracting more communities.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) representative, Mrs. Osabuohien Clementina, advised the beneficiaries to use the fund for the intended purpose, cautioning against diverting it to other uses. 

With the launch of this programme, the Edo State Government and its partners are confident that the lives of 630 young people and women will be transformed, and the state's agricultural sector will be revitalized.