NDDC, LIFE-ND Boost Agricultural Transformation in Niger Delta
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in partnership with the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises–Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), has stepped up efforts to drive agricultural transformation across the Niger Delta region. As part of its oversight responsibilities, officials of the NDDC and LIFE-ND recently inspected agricultural incubation centres in Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers states to assess the programme’s performance and impact on rural communities. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, and made available to journalists. Speaking during the inspection of Megalakes Farms in Ogu Town, Rivers State, the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume, said the exercise was a routine assessment aimed at ensuring effective implementation of the programme. “This oversight function is to ensure that the training is on track with its mandate. The NDDC’s commitment to meeting its counterpart funding obligations and driving rural economic transformation aligns with the agricultural development objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said. Madume explained that the inspection also provided an opportunity to engage directly with incubatees across different batches and identify areas for improvement under the LIFE-ND programme, a collaborative initiative involving the NDDC, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Federal Government, and participating state governments. She added that the three-day inspection covered incubation centres in Delta, Imo, and Akwa Ibom states. Also speaking, the Special Assistant on Agriculture to the NDDC Managing Director, Mr Abi Morris, expressed satisfaction with the level of implementation and the enthusiasm displayed by young agripreneurs who have either established their own enterprises or are currently undergoing incubation. Morris made the remarks during an inspection of a training centre in Sogho, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State. “This programme is a clear demonstration of development in action. It goes beyond training to unlocking livelihoods and reshaping mindsets,” he said.“The commission will continue to support initiatives that equip our youth with the skills and resources to succeed. We have taken note of the challenges faced by these young agripreneurs and ensured that necessary adjustments are made.” One of the beneficiaries in Sogho, Miss Nzhu Salome, expressed gratitude to the NDDC, noting that the programme had equipped her with the knowledge and funding needed to establish her own garri marketing enterprise. During oversight activities in Imo State, Director II, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Tonye Frank-Oputu, commended the incubatees for their dedication and progress. “The incubatees have shown sheer commitment and have achieved a lot so far. Their progress is clear evidence that the opportunities provided under the LIFE-ND programme are being effectively utilised,” he said. Also in Imo, Ibigineh Doreen, an incubatee at Ibiasoegbe in Oru West Local Government Area, said the programme had significantly boosted her fish farming venture. In Akwa Ibom State, a Director in Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Oretan Adebowale, urged beneficiaries at Adiasim Ikot Essin, Essien Udim Local Government Area, to apply the knowledge acquired to promote sustainable agriculture within their communities and the state. “From our interactions and observations, it is evident that the incubation model is efficient,” he said. Another beneficiary, Mr Ohaka Emmanuel, thanked the NDDC and the Federal Government for the opportunity to participate in the programme’s third batch. “This training has given me the opportunity to learn fish production, processing, and marketing. I also appreciate my incubator for the knowledge acquired,” he said.
Arun1
Feb 05, 2026
