The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Livelihood Improvement and Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project have reached 66 of the 104 targeted communities in Rivers State since September 2024, representing 63.5 per cent coverage.
Rivers State Project Coordinator, Mr. Loveday Itatat, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja during the ongoing training of the second batch of the project’s incubators and incubatees.
According to him, the first batch of the programme engaged 350 incubatees and 25 incubation centres, achieving a notable gender balance with 54 per cent female and 46 per cent male participation.
He added that 70 per cent of the first batch have been empowered and have commenced their individual agribusinesses, while the remaining 30 per cent, mostly long-term incubatees who recently completed their apprenticeship, are currently receiving inputs to start operations.
Speaking on the second batch, Itatat revealed that it comprises 47 incubators (trainers) and 520 incubatees (trainees).
He described the programme as both “an opportunity and a responsibility,” reflecting the commitment of the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), IFAD, and the Rivers State Government to empower citizens and host communities.
He urged participants to embrace the training with passion, leverage the mentorship provided, and aim for excellence and sustainability in their enterprises.
“The project coordinating offices, both at the national and state levels, remain dedicated to supporting your success through timely release of allowances, provision of tools and inputs, continuous extension services, and follow-up,” he stated.
Jointly funded by the Federal Government through an IFAD loan, with additional support from the NDDC and counterpart funding from nine Niger Delta states, the LIFE-ND project seeks to transform the rural economy by boosting incomes, improving food security, and creating jobs for youths, women-headed households, and persons with disabilities through agri-enterprise development under the incubation model.
