Over 1,000 young agricultural entrepreneurs in Edo State have benefited from the second batch of the Additional Financing of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project.
The 1,020 beneficiaries, also known as incubatees, were successful in the selection process among over 8,000 applicants drawn from 100 communities across the 10 implementation Local government areas under the Additional Financing phase of the LIFE-ND Project. Since inception, over 5,000 agricultural entrepreneurs have been trained and funded.
The project is being funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and participating state governments.
Addressing the incubatees at the orientation training in Benin on Thursday, National Coordinator of the project, Engr. Abiodun Sanni, urged them to become job creators and agents of development, rather than remain mere incubatees.
Sanni, who was represented by Mrs. Stella Manureh, said: “I urge you to see yourselves not merely as beneficiaries, but as agripreneurs, job creators, and agents of development. Your success will contribute not only to improving your livelihoods and those of your families, but also to food security, employment creation, and the growth of the rural economy.”
“The first phase laid the foundation; this Additional Financing provides an opportunity to build on those achievements and create even greater impact.
“Together, we are building sustainable livelihoods, strengthening families, creating jobs, and contributing to a stronger and more prosperous Niger Delta and Nigeria.”
Director, NDDC, Edo State Office, Friday Ehiorobo, while encouraging the beneficiaries to look beyond subsistence and begin to see their chosen value chain as a viable business enterprise, said the “intervention is particularly important because agriculture is not only about food production. When properly supported, it is a powerful avenue for employment creation, income generation, poverty reduction and sustainable livelihood development, particularly for our young people and women.”
The director, who was represented by Clementina Osabuohien, added: “This aligns strongly with the development mandate of the Niger Delta Development Commission, which places importance on interventions that improve livelihoods and create sustainable economic opportunities for the people of the region.”
On his part, the State Coordinator of the project, John Omoruyi, urged the incubatees to “demonstrate commitment, integrity, innovation, and responsible use of every support provided through the project,” adding that “the knowledge and networks you gain here should translate into viable, sustainable, and profitable enterprises that contribute to the economic growth of Edo State.”
He further addressed the incubatees: “Your presence today reflects a shared commitment to strengthening agribusiness, promoting rural development, creating employment, and improving livelihoods across our communities in Edo State. This opportunity is a significant step toward developing your knowledge, skills, and confidence as agribusiness entrepreneurs.“
“The incubation programme is designed to expose you to practical learning, mentorship, market-oriented production, business management, financial discipline, and the value-chain opportunities available within the agricultural sector.”
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Edo State, Bamaiyi R. Osedebamen, told the incubatees that “your inclusion is not only an opportunity to acquire technical and business skills; it is also a call to embrace enterprise, innovation, discipline, and responsibility.”
She added: “Through this training, you will be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills required to transform your ideas and resources into viable and profitable enterprises.
“This initiative is also in line with the vision of the Edo State Government under the SHINE agenda, particularly its commitment to human capital development, economic empowerment, social inclusion, and the creation of opportunities for citizens to prosper. As beneficiaries, you are expected to contribute meaningfully to the economic growth and development of Edo State.”
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