The Edo State Government, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has empowered 630 agripreneurs in the state with grants and starter packs under the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND).
The beneficiaries, who emerged from the Batch One incubates of the LIFE-ND Additional Financing Programme, received the support during the sixth edition of the working capital disbursement ceremony held at ADJ Royalty Hotel and Suites in Benin City.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, the functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Bamaiyi Osedebamen, said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is committed to using agriculture as a major tool for economic growth, food sufficiency, and job creation.
She said the state government continues to prioritise agriculture because of its importance in addressing unemployment, poverty, food insecurity, and rural underdevelopment across Edo State.
According to her, the LIFE-ND initiative is helping to equip young people and women with practical agricultural skills, mentorship, business support, and access to resources needed to succeed in agribusiness.
“Edo State has continued to record impressive milestones under the programme through the combined efforts of IFAD, the State Project Coordinating Office, incubation centres, mentors, and development partners,” she said.
“These beneficiaries have acquired practical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills across different agricultural value chains and are fully prepared to contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Edo State.”
The National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Engr. Sanni Abiodun, represented by the Agribusiness Promotion Coordinator, Mrs. Antonia Esenwa, disclosed that over 4,500 youths, women, and physically challenged persons have benefited from the programme in Edo State.
She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the initiative, noting that the Federal Government has demonstrated commitment to using agribusiness as a vehicle for food security, employment generation, and economic expansion.
Also speaking, the Edo State Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Mr. John Omoruyi, alongside the NDDC representative, Mrs. Abigu, said the programme aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda. They urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the grants and starter packs provided to them.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Aiyemhenre Blessed appreciated the Edo State Government, IFAD, and NDDC for the opportunity, promising that recipients would use the support to build sustainable agribusiness ventures.
The event also featured the presentation of certificates, starter packs, and working capital support to beneficiaries as part of the official graduation ceremony for the Batch One incubates under the LIFE-ND programme.
