Rivers state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has approved the participation of Rivers State In the FGN/NDDC/IFAD LIFE-ND project and the release of its counterpart funding for the full scale implementation of the project.
The Rivers state commissioner for agriculture, Engineer Victor Kii confirmed this In a statement made available to journalists.
The commissioner commended Governor Fubara for his magnanimity in approving the State’s Counterpart Fund Contribution towards full-scale implementation of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE -ND) Project in Rivers State.
He said Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in Niger Delta, Code – named LIFE -ND Project is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) as well as the Nigeria Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the nine participating Niger Delta States.
He explained that the LIFE -ND is a 12-year project designed with a financing gap of 6 years, commencing from 2019-2025.
The project is expected to directly and indirectly empower over 35,250 poor rural youths and women in selected 10 Local Government Areas(LGAs) and 10 Communities per LGA across the State for the first six years through agri-business incubation model.
The comissioner further explained that the project provides for agri-business training and establishment of sustainable agri-business for massive production, processing and marketing of Cassava, plantain, oil palm, vegetable, poultry and fisheries.
The project is also intended to transform rural economy in which the rural population can derive benefits by promoting a strategic sustainable Agricultural incubation programme to enhance income, food security and job creation for the teeming poor rural youths and women (aged 18-35years).
The project is co- financed by IFAD and NDDC, while the FGN and the participating State Governments provide annual Counterpart Fund Contributions.
The Rivers state commissioner for agric said the project will compliment Governor Fubara’ stance on massive food production with high value chain reality for food security, employment generation, wealth creation, reduction of poverty, youth restiveness and other social vices in the State.
The ministry calls on citizens in Rivers State to key into the LIFE-ND Project and to support Governor Fubara’ afministration in the Agricultural development and food security of the State.