…Pledges to Safeguard Projects in His Domain

By Daniel Abia – Port Harcourt

The Paramount Ruler of Erema Community, His Royal Highness, Eze Alexander Ossai Odehi, has expressed delight over the skill acquisition programs introduced to his community by the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Eze Odehi welcomed the initiative, describing it as a transformational step for rural development. He reassured the program organizers of a peaceful environment for smooth implementation, stating:

“We are ready to comply with any directive. The coordinator should not entertain any fear, as there is peace in Erema community.”

The program focuses on skill acquisition in Cassava, Plantain, Poultry, and Aquaculture farming, with implementation across several local government areas, including Opobo/Nkoro, Ogu/Bolo, Khana, Etche, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Andoni, Okrika, and Degema in Rivers State.

Organized under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), the LIFE-ND (Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise-Niger Delta) Project aims to: Enhance income, food security, and job creation for youths and women. Utilize the incubation model to train participants in agri-business.

The initiative covers nine Niger Delta states, divided as follows: IFAD funds six states: Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Ondo. NDDC oversees three states: Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers.

Each state includes ten local government areas and ten communities per LGA.

The program specifically targets: Unemployed and underemployed youth (18-35 years old). Women-led households with children under 15. Individuals willing to engage in agricultural production, processing, and marketing.

Interested agri-business owners with proven experience were invited to apply as incubators, mentoring young participants in various farming enterprises.

During a visit to Ubite community, the Project Team Leader, Jemina Horsfall, emphasized that the project will not tolerate insecurity and warned that any community posing security risks risks losing the program.

She reiterated that the overall goal of LIFE-ND is to create a prosperous and sustainable rural economy in the Niger Delta by enhancing economic opportunities for youth and women.

Launched on February 21, 2019, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) leads the project, with NDDC serving as an implementing partner. The initiative aims to empower 38,250 beneficiaries across the nine Niger Delta states.

This ambitious program is expected to transform the agricultural landscape of the region, drive economic growth, and uplift rural communities through sustainable agri-enterprises.