ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making agriculture a sustainable platform for wealth creation, food security, and youth empowerment.
Okpebholo gave the assurance in Benin City during the flag-off ceremony for the disbursement of working capital and presentation of certificates to 637 beneficiaries of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project in Edo State.
The governor stated that sustainable agricultural development remains critical to tackling unemployment, poverty, food insecurity, and rural underdevelopment, adding that his government has continued to prioritise agriculture and food security in its development plans.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Jerry Uwangue, Okpebholo said the LIFE-ND project has become a key initiative aimed at equipping youths and women with agricultural skills, mentorship, enterprise support, and access to resources needed to build profitable agribusinesses.
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According to him, Edo State has achieved notable progress under the LIFE-ND project.
He said, “Notably, the project has successfully trained 616 incubatees across 56 incubation centres located within six Local Government Areas of the State.
This achievement reflects the dedication, hard work, and effective collaboration among the State Project Coordinating Office, IFAD, incubation centres, mentors, implementing partners, and all critical stakeholders.
“These beneficiaries have undergone intensive training in various agricultural value chains and enterprise management practices. They are now equipped with the technical knowledge, practical experience, and entrepreneurial skills required to become successful agripreneurs and contributors to the economic development of Edo State.”
National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Sanni Abiodun, represented by Agribusiness Promotion Coordinator, Anthonia Esenwa, disclosed that the initiative has empowered more than 4,500 youths, women, and physically challenged persons across the state.
Esenwa credited President Bola Tinubu for providing crucial funding support for the project, noting that the Federal Government has shown that youth empowerment in agribusiness is a practical strategy for boosting food security, creating jobs, and strengthening the economy.
She urged beneficiaries to utilise the opportunity effectively, repay the loans, and serve as good ambassadors of the LIFE-ND project.
Edo State Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, John Omoruyi, said the initiative aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda and advised beneficiaries to use the working capital strictly for its intended purpose.