08/11/2025
Edo Government Scales Up Agricultural Transformation, Empowers 4,300 Agripreneurs, 3,800 Youths and Women
…as IFAD Commends Okpebholo’s Support for LIFE-ND Project
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to agricultural transformation through strengthened collaboration with the Federal Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND).
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, made this known during the Inception Workshop of the 5th Joint Supervision Mission of the FGN/NDDC/IFAD-Assisted LIFE-ND Project, held on Wednesday in Benin City.
Represented by the Programme Manager of the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Princewill Edoba Igbinedion, Dr. Uwangue stated that the LIFE-ND Project continues to contribute significantly to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s agricultural transformation vision.
He revealed that through its innovative incubation model, the project has empowered 4,300 agripreneurs and 3,800 youths and women across various local government areas, providing them with the skills and resources to manage viable agribusinesses.
According to him, “LIFE-ND has recorded remarkable achievements in mentorship, cluster development in poultry, fisheries, cassava, and rice value chains, as well as the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices. It has also strengthened rural infrastructure and market linkages, thereby boosting productivity and improving incomes for smallholder farmers.”
Dr. Uwangue added that the state government continues to provide policy support, counterpart funding, and an enabling environment to ensure the effective delivery of the project’s objectives. He further disclosed that Governor Okpebholo has pledged sustained support for the LIFE-ND Project, with plans underway to expand its coverage to eight additional local government areas, expected to benefit another 3,000 women and youths.
In her remarks, Mrs. Dede Ekoue, Country Director and Head of Mission, IFAD Nigeria, commended the Edo State Government for its exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to food security, job creation, and sustainable rural livelihoods.
“We appreciate the state’s strong support, especially in championing the LIFE-ND+ scale-up initiative. This reflects a shared vision for youth and women empowerment and inclusive agricultural transformation,” she said.
Mrs. Ekoue disclosed that LIFE-ND has empowered over 26,000 smallholder farmers, created 23,751 agribusiness enterprises, and partnered with 966 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) serving as incubators. She added that the project has generated ₦31 billion (USD 49.7 million) in sales, mobilized USD 1.2 million in credit, and enhanced food system resilience across the Niger Delta region.
Some beneficiaries from Edo State, including Grace Nwozuzu and Marvis Edogiawerie, expressed their appreciation to Governor Okpebholo and project partners, describing LIFE-ND as a life-changing initiative that has improved livelihoods and created new opportunities in rural communities.
The workshop also featured presentations on the implementation status of previous supervision recommendations, an overview of LIFE-ND activities by the National Programme Coordinator, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, and the presentation of the 5th Supervision Mission Roadmap by the lead consultant.
Okojie Francisca,
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
