A major agricultural and economic empowerment initiative is set to transform the lives of thousands of young people in Ondo State. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has launched a new phase of its Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises–Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project, with an ambitious target of reaching 14,800 beneficiaries across the state.
Project Scope and Beneficiary Demographics
Dr. Ademola Olawale, the State Project Coordinator, unveiled the details at a media roundtable in Akure. He confirmed that this Additional Financing (AF) programme will run until 2028. A significant focus of the project is inclusivity. Over 50% of the beneficiaries will be female, ensuring women are central to the economic transformation. Furthermore, the project mandates that 5% of all slots are reserved for Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), promoting equitable access to opportunities.
The initiative primarily targets youths aged between 18 and 35 years. Bolanle Akinyede, the State Rural Institution, Gender and Youth Officer, provided a breakdown from the previous phase, where 2,142 women and 76 persons with disabilities benefited, highlighting the project's commitment to these demographics.
Focus on Value Chains and Empowerment Model
This new phase will concentrate on building robust value chains in key agricultural sectors: cocoa, fishery, poultry, and cassava. The support will cover the entire spectrum from production and processing to marketing, ensuring beneficiaries can build sustainable enterprises.
A revamped empowerment model has been introduced. While the first phase (2020-2025) relied on farmer-incubators to train over 4,000 beneficiaries, the new phase adds a critical component: Business Development Services (BDS). Dr. Olawale explained that 9,000 youths will receive support as BDS beneficiaries, working with individual agencies or corporate bodies to add value to their ventures. The remaining 5,800 will be enrolled as regular incubatees.
"Beneficiaries will be trained and empowered within three months to establish their enterprises," Olawale stated. Support will be tailored to individual needs, provided either through direct cash grants or essential equipment.
Building on Past Success for Future Impact
The first iteration of the LIFE-ND project, which concluded in October 2025, successfully graduated five batches and impacted over 4,000 Ondo State residents. Officials express confidence that the new phase, with its expanded scope and refined strategy, will deliver even greater results.
Dr. Olawale commended the Ondo State Government for its crucial support, which includes providing security, a conducive working environment, and the timely payment of counterpart funding. This partnership is seen as vital for the project's success.
Testimonials from past beneficiaries, like Daniel Omoniyi from Igoba Community in Akure North LGA, underscore the project's positive impact. Omoniyi praised IFAD LIFE-ND for identifying and supporting deserving youths and urged others to seize the opportunity.
The core mission of the IFAD LIFE-ND project remains clear: to eradicate poverty, particularly in rural communities, and to create positive, lasting transformation by equipping youths with the tools for self-reliance and prosperity.
