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The federal government has said that about N31.35 billion has been injected into agriculture while 122,332 metric tonnes of food supply has been produced through the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project.
The government also claimed that the project had created 23,751 new jobs, including 12,526 for women, to strengthen gender inclusion and rural economic participation.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Marcus Ogunbiyi, stated this at the national event on scaling up youth agripreneurship for food systems transformation, yesterday in Abuja.
Ogunbiyi said: “The LIFE-ND has made landmark achievements and impact, and these speak to the measurable outcomes and its transformative power. Among these are: “Economic Growth and Job Creation: The project has created 23,751 new jobs, including 12,526 for women, strengthening gender inclusion and rural economic participation. Lives are being transformed — young Nigerians are employed, skilled, and are contributing to national development.
“LIFE-ND agripreneurs have contributed 122,332 metric tonnes of food to Nigeria’s food supply, helping stabilize prices and improve household nutrition.
“The project has injected N31.35 billion (approx. USD 49.77 million) into the rural economy of the Niger Delta. This is income that supports families, revitalizes communities, and strengthens long-term economic resilience.” Also, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, reaffirmed that the FGN/NDDC/IFAD-assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta “is a testament and strong evidence that showcases this concept and strategy.
The challenge now is to scale up quickly, inclusively, and sustainably.”
Kyari reminded young people that their ideas, courage to take calculated risks, and commitment to build resilient livelihoods are what will drive transformation in the country’s agri-food systems.
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“We are here to listen to you, to specially note your challenges, and to create the enabling environment that allows your various ventures to grow, thrive, and create impact in quantum scale.
“To ensure the success and sustainability of youth-led agripreneurship, we will re-engineer and strengthen the following support pillars:
“A land access and tenure assistance program that prioritizes youth eligibility and transparent processes.
“An innovative fund/financing mechanism with blended finance options and simplified access for youth-led agribusinesses, including maximum timelines for decision-making.
“An expanded set of business development services, including mentorship networks, virtual incubation, and market linkages, with measurable success metrics.”
LIFE-ND National Project Coordinator, Sani Abiodun, disclosed that the scheme had trained over 29,620 youths and women as agripreneurs across priority value chains.
Abiodun also revealed that the project has promoted green practices, waste recycling, and environmental resilience in the Niger Delta.
According to him, LIFE-ND has supported viable agribusiness ventures with access to several rural market infrastructure provided to continuously support the economy and reduce poverty.
