The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Country Director, Ms. Dede Ahoefa Ekoue, has lauded the Cross River State Office of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise for the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) for its exemplary leadership and project implementation during a one-day working visit to the state.
Ms. Ekoue commended the collaborative synergy between the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Cross River State Government, stressing its importance to the success of the agro-processing hub.
Speaking to journalists, Ms. Ekoue remarked, “The Cross River State Office has made a very laudable impression. They have surpassed the expectations and targets for the project, touching on all value chain commodities. This commendable performance has positioned the state as a beneficiary of additional funding and the second phase of the project.”
A highpoint of her visit was the inspection of the 20-million-capacity fish hatchery at the state office, where she expressed satisfaction with the level of strategic engagement, particularly with incubatees and students from the University of Calabar and the University of Cross River State. She noted that the commitment of the team was vital to ensuring the sustainability of the LIFE-ND project.
Speaking at the model fish hatchery facility during her one day working visit to Cross River State, IFAD Country Director, Ms DEDE EKOUE informed stakeholders, incubators, incubatees, students, and government officials as they gathered to celebrate the tangible outcomes of the initiative aimed at wealth creation, food security, and youth empowerment
The climax of the visit was the commissioning of the IFAD-assisted open market at Urua-Ndung community in Akwa Ikot Effanga Clan, Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The community, which came out in large numbers to welcome the delegation, received high praise from Ms. Ekoue for their grassroots-driven ideas aimed at livelihood enhancement.
“This community has shown that development thrives when people take ownership. The open market initiative is a reflection of the LIFE-ND’s vision of empowering communities to lead their transformation,” she said.
The newly commissioned open market, comprising 14-unit stalls, a solar powered borehole, tank stands, toilet and four 2,000-litre GeePee tanks, was officially handed over to the Akpabuyo Local Government Council, represented by the Secretary, Ms. Juliet Bassey. She assured that the Council would partner with the community to maintain and expand the facility
Source: PrimetimeNews
