The Abia State Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) has commenced the disbursement of start-up working capital (cheques) ranging from ₦472,000 to ₦1.2 million to 616 graduate trainees, also known as incubatees. These beneficiaries received training in cassava production, rice production, palm oil production, and poultry farming under the ongoing “Additional Financing Batch One” programme.
Project Funding and Objectives
The LIFE-ND project is jointly funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Abia State Government. The flag-off ceremony, held in Umuahia, the state capital, also featured the graduation of the 616 Additional Financing (AF) Batch One trainees. The project aims to address the growing number of unemployed and restive youths by sustainably enhancing incomes and food security, while creating job opportunities for rural women and youths in the Niger Delta region. It builds on previous IFAD-supported initiatives by developing skilled youth labour and strengthening institutional capacity at state and community levels to collaborate effectively with private-sector actors.
Implementation Across Niger Delta
The project is being implemented across the nine Niger Delta states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers. It targets 25,500 youths and women, as well as 600 enterprise incubators, with a goal of achieving at least 50% female participation. Beneficiaries include youths aged 18 to 35 and women-headed households with children under 15.
Commendations and Speeches
Speaking at the event, the LIFE-ND National Project Coordinator, Dr. Sani Abiodun, represented by his Technical Assistant, Mr. Olatunde Bumi Ogunleye, commended the Abia State Government for providing an enabling environment for the successful implementation of the project. He congratulated the beneficiaries and emphasized that beyond job creation, the project seeks to transform the rural economy, urging the incubatees to apply their training effectively and align their agricultural activities with seasonal realities for optimal productivity.
In his address, the Abia State LIFE-ND Project Coordinator, Dr. Uchenna Rowland Onyeizu, described the initiative as a “celebration of transformation, validation of purposeful leadership, and a demonstration of measurable impact.” He stated: “What we are witnessing is deliberate policy direction, strategic investment, and an unwavering commitment to empowering the people of Abia State, especially youths and women.” According to him, the first batch of 100 out of the 616 graduates received ₦472,000 each as start-up capital for marketing enterprises, while the remaining beneficiaries received a combination of cash and agricultural inputs valued between ₦600,000 and ₦1.2 million. All trainees were selected from 100 communities across 10 local government areas in the state.
Government Support and Achievements
Dr. Onyeizu attributed the project’s success to the leadership of Governor Dr. Alex Otti, noting that his administration has redefined governance with a focus on productivity, economic inclusion, and agricultural transformation. He highlighted improvements such as rural road rehabilitation, which has enhanced farm-to-market access, reduced post-harvest losses, and improved agribusiness profitability. He further noted that the administration has promoted ease of doing business in agriculture by encouraging private sector participation, strengthening value chains, and supporting financial initiatives. The state Coordinator also cited the payment of counterpart funding by the state government, which facilitated Abia’s transition into the Additional Financing phase of the LIFE-ND project. Dr. Onyeizu added that the government’s commitment to food security is evident in policies promoting youth participation in agriculture, adoption of modern farming techniques, and alignment with global climate-smart agricultural practices. He commended Governor Otti and the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, for their leadership and dedication, noting that their efforts have positioned the Abia LIFE-ND project as a model of transparency, efficiency, and impact.
Key Achievements and Future Plans
Highlighting key achievements, Dr. Onyeizu stated that over 4,379 incubatees have been empowered across rice, cassava, poultry, and oil palm value chains; 130 youths cultivated an average of 0.7 hectares each; 26 extension agents are providing ongoing technical support; and 85 enterprise groups have been strengthened. He added that infrastructure development includes functional processing clusters, solar-powered boreholes for irrigation, and expanded farm access roads. On climate-smart agriculture, he revealed that 50 incubatees were trained in weather-smart technologies, over 2,700 economic trees were planted, and pilot beneficiaries were introduced to biogas technology. Additionally, 34 school gardens have been established. Looking ahead, he outlined priorities including expanding beneficiary reach, strengthening value chains, promoting digital and climate-smart agriculture, and ensuring sustainability. He urged the graduating incubatees to translate their training into profitable and sustainable ventures. Dr. Onyeizu expressed gratitude to the project’s funders—IFAD, the Federal Government, NDDC, and the Abia State Government—as well as the project team for their contributions.
Beneficiary Testimonials and Closing Remarks
Two beneficiaries, Uchendu Emmanuel and Gerald Green-Mary, expressed appreciation and pledged to invest their start-up capital wisely. Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policies that enhance agricultural productivity, create employment, and improve livelihoods, while continuing to support initiatives like LIFE-ND. In his closing remarks, Dr. Onyeizu stated: “What we celebrate today is not just progress; it is proof that with the right leadership, clear vision, and collective commitment, transformation is achievable.”
