The Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises–Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) has commenced the disbursement of start-up capital to agribusiness trainees in Abia State, marking a key milestone in its ongoing rural empowerment drive.
The programme distributed cheques of ₦472,000 each to beneficiaries who recently completed intensive incubation training across multiple centres in the state. The disbursement began with 100 out of the 276 selected beneficiaries under the Additional Financing Batch 1 incubatees, during a graduation ceremony held in Umuahia.
Speaking at the event, the state project coordinator, Uchenna Onyeizu, said the beneficiaries were trained in processing and marketing enterprises, equipping them with practical skills required to operate sustainable agribusiness ventures. He added that the remaining beneficiaries would receive their support within their respective communities.
Mr Onyeizu further disclosed that the programme would extend support to 332 additional beneficiaries engaged in production enterprises through the provision of inputs. He noted that a total of 608 participants across poultry, rice, cassava, and fishery value chains would benefit under the project’s Additional Financing for the 2025 incubation cycle.
LIFE-ND is a collaborative initiative involving the Federal Government, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the Niger Delta Development Commission, designed to tackle youth unemployment and food insecurity in the Niger Delta region. The programme targets young people aged 18 to 35, as well as women-headed households, with a focus on building sustainable income streams and promoting agribusiness as a viable pathway to economic stability.
Describing the ceremony as “a celebration of transformation and demonstration of measurable impact,” Onyeizu emphasised the programme’s role in driving inclusive development. “We are witnessing the product of deliberate policy direction, strategic investment, and an unwavering commitment to empowering the people of Abia, especially our youths and women,” he said.
He revealed that since its inception in 2021, the project has supported over 4,379 beneficiaries across rice, cassava, poultry, and oil palm value chains in 100 communities spanning 10 local government areas.
The Abia State Government reaffirmed its commitment to scaling the initiative. Governor Alex Otti was commended for fostering an enabling environment for agribusiness growth, while the Commissioner for Agriculture, Cliff Agbaeze, stated that the programme has continued to serve as a catalyst for youth empowerment.
Agbaeze disclosed plans for a proposed “LIFE-ND Plus” initiative aimed at expanding the programme’s reach to all 17 local government areas in the state. “What LIFE-ND is doing does not cover all the 17 LGAs and communities in the state, so what we are trying to do is make sure that all the LGAs and communities benefit,” he said, adding that the government would deepen collaboration beyond counterpart funding.
Also speaking, the national project coordinator, Sani Abiodun, represented by Olatunde Ogunleye, commended the state government’s support and urged beneficiaries to take advantage of agricultural seasons to maximise productivity.
One of the beneficiaries, Chinedu Okorie, a rice processor from Amamba-Uzuakoli in Bende LGA, described the programme as life-changing. “It gave me exposure and made agribusiness easier to understand and practise,” he said.
The event featured the presentation of dummy cheques and certificates, symbolising the transition of trainees into fully supported agripreneurs under the LIFE-ND programme.
