The Niger Delta Development Commission has partnered with the Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on a project aimed at establishing Agripreneurs across the 27 LGA’S of the State.
The initiative, called the FGN/IFAD/NDDC Livelihood Project, is set to boost Imo’s agricultural output, create jobs, and foster food security by supporting rural youths and women through sustainable agribusiness ventures.
The Imo State Rep of NDDC, Hon Dr Kyrian C Uchegbu stated this in his keynote address at the first orientation training of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise Niger Delta project for incubatees and incubators held at the Swiss Beland International Hotel, Owerri Imo State on Thursday 6th to Friday 7th Feb 2025.
The Imo NDDC Boss, Dr Uchegbu highlighted that the LIFE-ND project focuses on creating income-generating opportunities and job creation through some priority agricultural value chains like rice, cassava, plantain, oil palm, cocoa, poultry, and fishery, including aquaculture and artisanal fisheries.
He noted that the project is co-funded jointly by the Federal Government through a loan from IFAD, with additional support from the NDDC and counterpart funding from participating state governments and expressed optimism that the initiative would bring about significant transformation, especially in rural communities.
He emphasised that the project would stimulate the Imo economy, create wealth, and generate job opportunities, both directly and indirectly, over the next three years and urged the people of the State to expect a positive transformation in food security very soon.
He also appreciated the State Governor Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma for ensuring Imo State is captured and included in the programme having been existing in other oil states for a long time before the intervention of the State Governor.
Participants at the event praised the collaboration between the federal government, NDDC, and IFAD and promised to put in their best towards the realisation of the set objectives of the programme and also commended the State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma for supporting the state’s participation in the project.
Echezona Okafor.
