…Restates commitment to developing region
By: Felix Ikpotor
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in partnership with the International Foundation for Agricultural Development, IFAD, has launched its Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises-Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) programme for Rivers, Imo and Akwa Ibom States.
Speaking during the launch in Port Harcourt, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku said the programme is inline with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of state-of-emergency on agriculture in the country.
He said: “Today’s launch of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project for the three NDDC-funded states of Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers, is more than a ceremony; it is a bold leap into the boundless world of agribusiness.
“This project is not just ploughing through the fields of agribusiness. It is breaking new ground, cultivating opportunities for wealth and stability. And as we launch this initiative, we are ushering in new possibilities. In the past, agribusiness seemed out of reach for many. But today, we bridge that gap, opening the doors to entrepreneurship, financial independence, and sustainable livelihoods.
“The NDDC proudly stands as a co-sponsor of this initiative, alongside the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with the steadfast support of IFAD.”
Ogbuku said that over 38,000 persons would be direct beneficiaries of the programme, but its multiplier effect will touch many more across the Niger Delta, stressing, “We are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that our youth and women not only participate in the economy but lead the charge building businesses that uplift their families, their communities, and their futures.”
He declared: “The partnership with IFAD is a strong vine, one that will continue to grow and bear fruit. With IFAD’s investment of US$60 million and NDDC’s contribution of US$30 million, we are fertilizing the ground for a brighter future.
He also assured IFAD that the Commission is ready to do more to ensure that the project succeeds saying, “I can assure you, Country Chair of IFAD that our own contribution is captured in the 2024 budget. So whatever we have brought, we are going to bring more”.
He said the NDDC is also entering a partnership with Bank of Industry for others to benefit to complement what IFAD is doing as he said not everybody would benefit from the programme.
He urged participants to make best use of the opportunity to better their lives.
“I want you participants and those that are going to benefit to take advantage of this opportunity. We should understand that funds is scarce so whatever opportunity you have please make good use of it,” Ogbuku stated.
The NDDC MD used the occasion to assure people of the Niger Delta that whatever funds available shall be used for development of the region.
He noted that President Tinubu is committed to the development of the Niger Delta through the commission.
“For us, we want to ensure that we implement the programmes and activities of the present administration of Mr. President who is committed to ensuring that the Niger Delta is developed, who is committed to ensuring that the narratives changes because we cannot keep complaining of underdevelopment when we have a platform to develop our people.
“The little we are having we want to ensure that it is used to develop the people of Niger Delta before we talk about asking for more. I would not be an MD that will stand here to say the NDDC is underfunded and so we cannot do anything. The little we are getting, we want to ensure that people of the Niger Delta benefit from it,” Ogbuku stated.
In her speech, the IFAD Country Director, Mrs. Dede Ekoue, said the goal of LIFE-ND is to promote youth and women agribusinesses, food security, and inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the Niger Delta’s agri-food sector.
She lauded the collaboration with the NDDC on the project.
“I would like to reiterate that IFAD remains a steadfast partner in supporting the development of sustainable rural livelihoods in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole. We are confident that through continued collaboration and innovation, LIFE-ND will continue to empower rural communities and contribute to a more prosperous and food-secure future for all,” Ekoue said.
In his goodwill message, Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, said NDDC’s partnership with the state and host communities would help the commission attain its goal putting into consideration the pivotal role of state governments in the Land Use Act.
Fubara who was represented by his Special Adviser on Civil Society Relations, Prince Achor, thanked the NDDC MD for not allowing the commission to be used for political vendetta.
“I want to charge you the MD of NDDC to try and enter into partnership with your host community, especially your host state, considering the role that State governments play in our land use act.
“I must thank you particularly the MD for not allowing your administration to be used for political vendetta, you are not allowing the NDDC that we used to know to be used for political gains by key actors,” he said.
Giving an overview of the the activities of LIFE-ND, the National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, said that the success recorded in the initial six states had set a standard that would be replicated in the newly funded states of Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers.
He said: “For the six states where LIFE-ND (Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Ondo – IFAD funded) has already taken root, we have seen results that are nothing short of inspiring—10 Local Government Areas per state, 10 communities per LGA, each one a testament to the possibilities when we cultivate the right partnerships and persevere in the face of challenges”.
He also stated that the project is already working in 600 communities and 58 LGAs across the region.
