The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises for Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) have partnered together in a joint initiative to help young people and women build careers in poultry and aquaculture, supporting food security and job creation across rural communities.
The NDDC and LIFE-ND recently inspected incubation centres in Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers States, where hundreds of beneficiaries are undergoing training in modern farming methods and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Winifred Madume, Director of Agriculture and Fisheries at NDDC, led the inspection team.
She noted that the initiative was making meaningful progress and aligned with national efforts to transform agriculture.
“We are committed to our counterpart funding and to driving rural economic transformation in line with national agricultural goals,” she said.
The LIFE-ND programme is a collaborative effort between NDDC, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Federal Government, and the state governments.
Its mission is to empower rural youth and women through agriculture, particularly in poultry and fish farming value chains.
During the visits, officials observed not only the infrastructure but also the enthusiasm of young agripreneurs at the centres.
Many are learning to run their agribusinesses, from feeding and breeding to marketing and sales.
“This program is development in action,” said Mr. Abi Morris, Special Assistant to the NDDC Managing Director. “It’s giving young people the tools they need to succeed.”
Beneficiaries say the support has gone beyond classroom knowledge; they’re also receiving starter kits, funding, and market access tools to kick-start their farms after training.
The LIFE-ND initiative is already boosting local poultry and fish production, creating jobs and new income sources, reducing rural poverty and contributing to food security in the Niger Delta.
Participants praised the program for reshaping their mindsets and giving them a reason to stay and invest in their communities.
The NDDC’s continued investment in rural development shows a clear commitment to sustainable agriculture.
The agency is helping reveal lasting livelihoods by reaching underserved communities with practical training and resources.
As the programme scales, more youth and women across the Niger Delta will have access to the tools they need to thrive in agribusiness.
