Edo Govt Empowers 4,300 Agripreneurs, 3,800 Youths, Women To Boost Agribusiness
Reaffirming its commitment to agricultural transformation, the Edo State Government has empowered 4,300 agripreneurs and 3,800 youths and women across several Local Government Areas (LGAs) with the skills and resources needed to manage viable agribusinesses.
The initiative is part of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise (LIFE-ND) Project, a collaboration between the Federal Government, Edo State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) aimed at promoting agribusiness development in the Niger Delta region.
Disclosing this during the Inception Workshop of the 5th Joint Supervision Mission of the FGN/NDDC/IFAD-Assisted LIFE-ND Project held in Benin City, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, represented by the Programme Manager of the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Princewill Edoba Igbinedion, said the project aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision for agricultural transformation in the state.
According to him, the LIFE-ND project has recorded remarkable success through its innovative incubation model, which promotes mentorship and cluster development in poultry, fisheries, cassava, and rice value chains, while also advancing climate-smart agricultural practices.
Dr. Uwangue noted that the project has strengthened rural infrastructure and market linkages, boosting productivity and improving incomes for small-scale farmers. He assured that the state government will continue to provide policy support, counterpart funding, and an enabling environment to ensure the project’s sustainability.
He further revealed that Governor Okpebholo has pledged continued support for LIFE-ND, with plans to expand its coverage to eight additional LGAs, benefitting another 3,000 women and youths.
In her remarks, the Country Director and Head of Mission, IFAD Nigeria, Mrs. Dede Ekoue, commended the Edo State Government for its exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to food security, job creation, and sustainable rural livelihoods.
Mrs. Ekoue disclosed that the LIFE-ND Project has so far empowered over 26,000 smallholder farmers, created 23,751 agribusiness enterprises, and partnered with 966 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) serving 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.
The workshop also featured presentations on the status of previous supervision recommendations, an overview of LIFE-ND activities by the National Programme Coordinator, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, and the presentation of the 5th Supervision Mission Roadmap by the Lead Consultant.
