NDDC to Create 38,250 Agric Entrepreneurs Through LIFE-ND Programme
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to strengthen and expand the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project to create over 38,250 new agricultural entrepreneurs and boost youth participation across key agricultural value chains.
The commitment was made by the Managing Director of the
The workshop, organised under the LIFE-ND project, focused on the theme: “Scaling Up Youth Agripreneurship in Nigeria for Food Systems Transformation.”
Ogbuku, who was represented by the Acting Director of the NDDC Liaison Office in Abuja, Mrs Mary Nwaeke, highlighted the vast agricultural potential of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large, while acknowledging persistent challenges such as food inflation, fragmented value chains, ageing farming populations, climate-related vulnerabilities, and limited access to finance and modern technology.
According to him, these challenges present significant opportunities to nurture a new generation of agripreneurs capable of revitalising rural economies and transforming Nigeria’s food systems.
He reaffirmed the NDDC’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to create an enabling environment where youth-led agribusiness can thrive.
“We are not just building farms; we are building futures. We are not just cultivating crops; we are cultivating prosperity,” Ogbuku stated.
The NDDC Chief Executive described the LIFE-ND initiative as a transformative platform capable of unlocking economic opportunities for thousands of young people across the Niger Delta.
He noted that the Commission’s US$30 million counterpart funding underscores its strong support for youth agripreneurship as a strategic tool for promoting peace, stability and sustainable economic growth in the region.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening food security nationwide.
Ogunbiyi urged stakeholders to deepen collaboration with government and development partners to ensure a stable, efficient and resilient food supply system across the country.
In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, commended the NDDC, LIFE-ND and other stakeholders for supporting government initiatives aimed at achieving national food security.
The Minister also praised the National Project Coordinator of the LIFE-ND programme for his dedication towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project.
