Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has appealed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to extend the Federal Government’s Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises–Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) initiative to every local government area in the state.
The governor said the expansion would help boost food production, strengthen the rural economy, and uplift living standards in communities.
The governor made this appeal in Owerri while declaring open a three-day orientation workshop for the latest group of beneficiaries and mentors of the programme.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Chief Cosmas Maduba, he urged the NDDC to ensure that all 27 local government areas are included in the next phase of the project.
He explained that this would allow more young people and farmers at the grassroots to benefit from agricultural training and empowerment.
Chief Maduba described LIFE-ND as one of the most impactful agricultural schemes currently running in the state.
He noted that since assuming office, he has seen the programme record outstanding success in connecting rural youth to productive ventures and reducing unemployment and restiveness in the communities.
According to him, Governor Uzodimma demonstrated his commitment to agricultural development by approving the state’s counterpart funding without delay, making Imo the first among Niger Delta states to do so.
He added that the state government is determined to support any initiative that can enhance food availability, improve quality, and promote self-sufficiency.
He also encouraged participants to approach the training with seriousness, noting that the knowledge gained would enable them to create real change in food production and income generation at the community level.
Speaking at the event, the NDDC representative for Imo State, Dr Kerian Uchegbu, commended the governor for his support and assured that the Commission would give due consideration to the state’s request for wider coverage.
He stated that the NDDC has been consistent in supporting youth empowerment, education, and community development programmes that contribute to regional stability and growth.
Earlier in her address, the State Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Mrs Victoria Igboanugo, welcomed the new batch of participants, describing the orientation as the start of their journey into agribusiness.
She said the programme is designed to expose them to key areas such as climate and environmental awareness, nutrition, gender inclusion, financial record-keeping, and the use of modern technology in agriculture.
Mrs Igboanugo explained that the LIFE-ND model draws inspiration from the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system, where experienced farmers, known as incubators, mentor new entrants, referred to as incubatees, to ensure effective skill transfer and sustainability.
The LIFE-ND project is jointly implemented by the Federal Government, the NDDC, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and state governments across the nine Niger Delta states.
