Nigerian Government And IFAD Invest $7M In Agriculture For Youth Empowerment

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has invested million to support youth in agriculture in Ondo State through the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises-Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project.

Dr. Abiodun Sanni, the National Project Coordinator for FG IFAD/LIFE-ND, announced this in Akure, the Ondo State capital, following an inspection of beneficiary farms. He stated that the project’s goal is to ensure food security across the nine Niger Delta states in Nigeria.

Launched in 2019, the IFAD/LIFE-ND project aims to train and empower about 4,250 youths in agriculture over six years. “In Ondo State, we have targeted 4,250 beneficiaries, providing necessary support. So far, over 3,500 youths have benefited, and the project is ongoing,” said Sanni. “Close to million has been spent on infrastructure, capacity building, and sustenance for agro-entrepreneurs.”

Ondo State Coordinator of IFAD/LIFE-ND, Olawale Ademola, noted that the national coordinator’s visit focused on supervising, monitoring, and evaluating the project. “The IFAD and Federal Government teams came to review our empowerment efforts in Ondo State and were highly impressed,” Ademola said. “The project, which has impacted 10 local government areas, will expand to the remaining eight LGAs in its next phase.”

Beneficiary Mrs. Flora Oluwaniyi shared her success story, having been empowered with 300-day-old chicks, broiler starters, and other farming essentials. She expanded her business into large-scale egg and fish production, securing a N6 million loan from a microfinance bank with the project’s support.

The LIFE-ND project has facilitated easy loan access for beneficiaries, ensuring the project’s sustainability and continued success.

Culled from Voice of Nigeria.