The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has called on Nigeria to take deliberate and strategic action to harness the potential of its young population in order to achieve food sovereignty and long-term agricultural transformation.
Speaking in Benin, Edo State, during the 5th Supervision Mission of the Federal Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and IFAD-supported Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project, IFAD Country Director, Dede Ekoue, said the organisation has made significant investments toward empowering youth and women across the region.
Ekoue explained that the LIFE-ND project was designed to equip youths and women with practical agricultural and agribusiness skills through a structured “incubation” training model that transforms beneficiaries into independent agripreneurs.
“LIFE-ND is a unique programme to us at IFAD,” she said. “We are committed to empowering youths in agribusiness and generating sustainable jobs. Food sovereignty cannot be achieved without fully harnessing the potential of young people in agriculture.”
She disclosed that IFAD had invested over $30 million in the first phase of the project, reaching more than 26,000 beneficiaries across six states — Ondo, Edo, Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Delta.
According to her, the incubation model has proven effective in turning trainees into business owners, well-positioned to establish and manage their own agribusiness ventures. “By the time they complete the incubation process, they come out as business owners capable of running viable enterprises. We also have success stories of these agribusiness owners being linked to markets, ensuring steady income generation and sales,” she added.
Ekoue also stressed the role of women in achieving food sovereignty and better nutrition outcomes. “Women are key to food production, transformation, and nutrition. LIFE-ND reflects that understanding by placing women at the centre of food system transformation,” she said.
She noted that the ongoing supervision mission, conducted by an independent team, was aimed at reviewing progress, identifying gaps, and developing strategic recommendations for the next implementation phase.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, said the project had impacted 26,470 beneficiaries, including youths, women, and persons with disabilities, and revealed that an additional 4,380 beneficiaries were being enrolled in the current phase.
“As more funds come from our sponsors, we will continue to expand our reach,” Sanni said, reaffirming the project’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In her remarks, NDDC representative, Stella Manureh, described LIFE-ND as a reflection of the Commission’s unwavering commitment to food security and improved livelihoods in the Niger Delta.
“IFAD’s continued investment in agriculture has not only enhanced food security but also strengthened transparency, accountability, and community empowerment across the region,” she said.
