Edo State has reaffirmed its strong commitment to agricultural transformation through closer collaboration with the Federal Government, the 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, announced this during 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 the Programme Manager of the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Princewill Edoba Igbinedion, Dr. Uwangue said the LIFE-ND Project has remained a major driver of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s agricultural transformation vision. He explained that through its innovative incubation model, the project has empowered 4,300 agripreneurs and 3,800 youths and women across several local government areas, giving them the skills and resources to operate profitable agribusinesses.
According to him, “LIFE-ND has recorded remarkable achievements in mentorship, cluster development in poultry, fisheries, cassava, and rice value chains, as well as the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices. It has also strengthened rural infrastructure and market linkages, thereby boosting productivity and improving incomes for smallholder farmers.”
Dr. Uwangue stated that the state government continues to offer policy support, counterpart funding, and an enabling environment to ensure the effective implementation of the project. He further revealed that Governor Okpebholo has pledged ongoing support for LIFE-ND, with plans to expand its reach to eight additional local government areas, a move expected to benefit another 3,000 women and youths.
In her remarks, Mrs. Dede Ekoue, Country Director and Head of Mission, IFAD Nigeria, praised the Edo State Government for its strong 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.
Mrs. Ekoue disclosed that LIFE-ND has empowered more than 26,000 smallholder farmers, created 23,751 agribusiness enterprises, and partnered with 966 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that serve as incubators. She added that the project has generated ₦31 billion (USD 49.7 million) in sales, mobilized USD 1.2 million in credit, and enhanced food system resilience across the Niger Delta region.
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 opportunities in rural communities.
The workshop also featured updates on the implementation of previous recommendations, a progress overview by National Programme Coordinator Dr. Abiodun Sanni, and the presentation of the 5th Supervision Mission Roadmap by the lead consultant.
