The Niger Delta Development Commission and the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, Niger Delta, have intensified efforts to accelerate agricultural transformation in the region.
Officials of the NDDC and LIFE-ND inspected incubation centres in Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers states to evaluate the performance of the agricultural programme in rural communities.
Speaking during the inspection of Samwart Farms in Opobo, Rivers State, the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume, noted that the NDDC embarked on the oversight visit to assess the level of implementation of the programme.
This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Madume stated that the Commission remained committed to meeting its counterpart funding obligations and driving rural economic transformation in line with national agricultural objectives.
She further explained that the inspection offered an opportunity to engage with incubatees and identify areas for further improvement under the LIFE-ND programme, a collaborative initiative involving the NDDC, International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Federal Government, and participating states.
The three-day inspection covered incubation sites in Delta, Imo, and Akwa Ibom states.
“This initiative is a tripartite programme of the NDDC, Federal Government, IFAD and state governments. It focuses on empowering rural youth and women in agriculture, particularly in the poultry and aquaculture value chains.
“We are here on an oversight function to ensure that the objectives of this programme are being achieved as planned. We conduct these inspections periodically, covering states funded by the NDDC,” Madume added.
Mr Abi Morris, Special Assistant to the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, expressed satisfaction with the programme’s implementation and the enthusiasm of the young agripreneurs undergoing incubation.
During an inspection at a training centre in Akabuka, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, Morris remarked, “This programme is a clear example of development in action. It goes beyond training to unlocking livelihoods and reshaping mindsets. The Commission will continue to support initiatives that equip our youth with the tools to succeed.”
A beneficiary, Atonye Ogolo, in Rivers State, thanked the NDDC for the initiative, noting that it had equipped him with the knowledge and funding necessary to start his agro-business.
In Imo State, during oversight activities, Director II of Agriculture and Fisheries, Tonye Frank-Oputu, emphasised the programme’s objectives, stating: “This initiative is commendable as it promotes food security in the Niger Delta. This is why the NDDC is investing in rural communities.”
In Imo, Mrs Unanka Jovita, an incubatee at Sirkilo Memorial Farms in Nguru Umuaro Community, Ngor-Okpala LGA, praised the programme for significantly enhancing her agribusiness.
In Akwa Ibom, Assistant Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Chikezie Munachimso, commended the transparent selection process for incubation centres.
“From our interactions with incubators and incubatees, it’s clear the selection was genuine. Many incubators have the capacity to accommodate more incubatees if the programme is extended. I urge incubatees to make the most of this opportunity,” Munachimso said.
Dr Okoko Atim, Head of Timma Fish and Agro Services, an incubation centre in Ikot Akpa Ekop, Mkpat Enin LGA, Akwa Ibom, expressed gratitude to the NDDC.
An incubatee, Mr Udofia Samuel, also thanked the NDDC and the Federal Government for the project, saying: “This training has given me the opportunity to learn about fish production, processing, and marketing. I also appreciate my incubator for the knowledge I’ve gained.”
