The Niger Delta Development Commission in collaboration with the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Niger Delta has intensified efforts to transform agriculture and strengthen rural livelihoods across the Niger Delta region. Through coordinated oversight activities the commission is ensuring that agricultural incubation programmes deliver tangible benefits to local communities.
Officials of the NDDC and LIFE ND recently inspected several agricultural incubation centres in Rivers Imo and Akwa Ibom states to assess programme implementation and engagement with beneficiaries. The inspections were part of the commission’s routine monitoring responsibilities aimed at evaluating training quality enterprise development and overall impact.
Speaking during a visit to Megalakes Farms in Ogu Town Rivers State the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries Dr Winifred Madume explained that the exercise was designed to ensure that the programme remains aligned with its objectives. She stated that the initiative supports rural economic transformation and complements the agricultural development priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Madume the inspections provided an opportunity to interact directly with incubatees from different batches while identifying challenges and areas for improvement. She noted that the LIFE ND programme is a collaborative effort involving the NDDC the International Fund for Agricultural Development the Federal Government and participating state governments.
The Special Assistant on Agriculture to the NDDC Managing Director Mr Abi Morris expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far. He praised the enthusiasm of young agripreneurs who have elished enterprises or are undergoing incubation noting that the programme goes beyond training to unlocking livelihoods and reshaping mindsets.
Beneficiaries across the states also shared positive feedback. In Rivers State Miss Nzhu Salome said the programme enabled her to start a garri marketing business while incubatees in Imo and Akwa Ibom reported improvements in fish farming production processing and marketing.
Officials reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting youth driven agricultural enterprises and promoting sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
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