The Nigerian government, in partnership with development organisations and the Imo State Government, has provided starter capital to about 900 young farmers and women in Imo State under the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project. The support is designed to help beneficiaries establish agribusiness ventures, improve their incomes, create jobs, and strengthen food production in rural communities.
The initiative is jointly funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Imo State Government. Through the programme, trained beneficiaries known as incubatees receive working capital, tools, and mentorship to begin independent agricultural enterprises.
The flag-off ceremony for the second and third batches of the working capital disbursement was held in Owerri, the Imo State capital. The event was attended by officials of the co-funding organisations, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders involved in the programme.
The LIFE-ND project focuses on empowering rural youth and women through agribusiness development. Its goal is to increase income opportunities, improve food security, and create sustainable employment across the Niger Delta region. The programme currently operates across nine states including Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Akwa-Ibom, Imo, and Rivers.
By providing financial support and practical agricultural training, the initiative aims to help young people transition into profitable agricultural ventures while contributing to local food systems and economic growth. The programme also seeks to reduce crime in rural communities by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for young people.
Speaking during the event, Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the first batch of beneficiaries who had already established their agribusiness enterprises.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Chief Cosmas Maduba, the governor described the programme as a strong empowerment initiative for rural communities.
“The project is one of the most viable and potent empowerment programmes supported by the state government,” Maduba said. “It has captured the attention and interest of youths and women in the selected rural communities.”
The Imo State Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Mrs Victoria Igboanugo, explained that the programme targets young people between the ages of 18 and 35, as well as women up to the age of 50, particularly those from female-headed households.
She noted that beneficiaries are equipped with the necessary resources to launch their agribusiness ventures after completing their incubation training.
“Through the provision of starter kits, essential tools, and capital grants, these young entrepreneurs are being equipped to begin their independent agribusiness journeys with close mentorship from their incubators,” she said.
According to Igboanugo, the latest disbursement covers the second and third batches of incubatees, comprising 307 and 590 beneficiaries respectively. She added that the programme also prioritises inclusion, with 68 of the beneficiaries identified as persons with disabilities.
The coordinator further explained that the working capital is disbursed directly to the incubatees so they can purchase inputs from accredited dealers at subsidised rates.
“The incubatees are linked to various input dealers who will sell to them at affordable prices. This is why the funds are disbursed directly so that they can purchase the required inputs themselves,” she said.
Igboanugo also cautioned beneficiaries against diverting the funds for other purposes.
“Measures have been put in place to track the use of the funds, and anyone who misuses the money will face prosecution,” she warned.
National Agribusiness Promotion Coordinator of the LIFE-ND project, Mrs Anthonia Esenwa, described the disbursement as another major step in empowering rural youths and women to build sustainable agribusiness enterprises.
“The LIFE-ND project was designed not just to train young people, but to equip them with the skills, discipline, and resources required to build viable enterprises along the agricultural value chain,” she said.
She noted that the incubatees had successfully completed their training and were ready to operate their businesses independently.
“The successful completion of the incubation programme demonstrates their commitment, resilience, and readiness to become entrepreneurs and job creators in their communities,” Esenwa added.
She encouraged beneficiaries to treat the financial support as an opportunity to build sustainable ventures that would strengthen rural economies.
“The working capital given to you is not just a financial grant,” she said. “It is a vote of confidence in your ability to translate your training into productive ventures.”
