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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Edo State Government has paid N147 million as counterpart fund for the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project for the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND).
The state project coordinator, Mr John Omoruyi, disclosed this yesterday during a chat with journalists in Benin City, adding that the project was being implemented currently in Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Ondo states.
Omoruyi explained that the payment of N147 million counterpart fund would enable the project to access funds for the ongoing transformation of rural economy through agribusiness in the state adding that the feat by the Obaseki’s administration would not only contribute to economic growth but also enhance food security, reduce poverty and empower rural communities in the state.
“So far, the state through the project has created jobs for 2,348 women and youth enterprises out of the targeted 4,250 across the 10 participating local government areas and 100 communities across the state.
“The release of this counterpart fund will further create employment for over 2,500 women and youths targeted for 2024, while also boosting agricultural productivity and value addition across four commodities’ of rice, cassava, poultry and fishery value chains.
“Governor Obaseki has done well to restate his commitment to sustainable development of the agricultural sector by promoting modern farming techniques, supporting smallholder farmers, encouraging value addition and fostering agribusiness innovations,” he said.
The national coordinator of the programme, Mr Sanni Abiodun, a few days ago, commended Obaseki for the payment of N147 million counterpart funds.
He identified the state governor as the first governor to pay its counterpart fund up to date among the six participating states, and that the counterpart fund was meant for years 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
He urged other participating states to emulate the gesture of Edo State, stating that the LIFE-ND, directly supports Nigeria’s agricultural policy and the strategic framework for youth employment and job creation.
