The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in collaboration with the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises–Niger Delta, LIFE-ND, has intensified efforts to advance agricultural transformation across the Niger Delta region.

As part of its oversight responsibilities, officials of the NDDC and LIFE-ND inspected agricultural incubation centres in Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers States to evaluate the programme's performance in rural communities.

Speaking during the inspection of Megalakes Farms in Ogu Town, Rivers State, the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume, said the exercise was a routine inspection aimed at assessing the level of implementation of the programme.

She noted: “This oversight function is to ensure that the training is on track with its mandate. The NDDC’s commitment to meeting its counterpart funding obligations and driving rural economic transformation is in alignment with the agricultural development objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Madume explained that the inspection provided an opportunity to engage directly with incubatees across the different batches and identify areas for improvement under the LIFE-ND programme, a collaborative initiative involving the NDDC, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Federal Government, and participating state governments. She added that the three-day inspection covered incubation centres in Delta, Imo and Akwa Ibom States.

The Special Assistant on Agriculture to the NDDC Managing Director, Mr Abi Morris expressed satisfaction with the level of implementation of the programme and the enthusiasm displayed by the young agripreneurs who have either set up their own enterprise or are undergoing incubation. He made this observation during an inspection of one of the training centres in Sogho, in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“This programme is a clear demonstration of development in action. It goes beyond training to unlocking livelihoods and reshaping mindsets. The Commission will continue to support initiatives that equip our youth with the skills and resources to succeed. We have taken note of the challenges faced by these young agripreneurs and ensured that necessary adjustments are made,” Morris said.

One of the beneficiaries in Sogho, Rivers State, Miss Nzhu Salome, thanked the NDDC for the initiative, noting that the programme had equipped her with the requisite knowledge and funding to establish her own garri marketing enterprise.

During oversight activities in Imo State, Director II, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Tonye Frank-Oputu, emphasised the importance of the initiative whilst commending the incubatees for their recorded progress. “The incubatees have shown sheer dedication and have achieved a lot so far. Their progress is clear evidence that the opportunities provided under the LIFE-ND programme are being effectively utilised,” he said.

Also in Imo State, Ibigineh Doreen, an incubatee at Ibiasoegbe in Oru West Local Government Area, commended the programme for significantly enhancing her fish farming venture.

During oversight activities in Akwa Ibom State, a Director in Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Oretan Adebowale, charged the beneficiaries in Adiasim Ikot Essin in Essien Udim LGA, to use the knowledge gained to drive sustainable agriculture in their community and state at large.

“From our interactions and observations, it is evident that the incubation model is efficient,” he said.

One of the incubatees, Mr. Ohaka Emmanuel, also thanked the NDDC and the Federal Government for the initiative, expressing gratitude for being selected for the third batch. He said: “This training has given me the opportunity to learn fish production, processing and marketing. I also appreciate my incubator for the knowledge acquired.”

•PHOTO: NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Winifred Madume, during an NDDC/IFAD oversight visit to Dumnial Farms Enterprise in Nyorkuru Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

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