The Abia Project Coordinating Office of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises for the Niger Delta says it is poised to empower at least 3,000 beneficiaries in agri-enterprises with additional financing.

The project coordinator, Uchenna Onyeizu, disclosed this during a working session cum orientation for batch one of  additional financing regular incubatees (trainees) and incubators (trainers) in Umuahia on Saturday.

The project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development and implemented in collaboration with the federal government and the Niger Delta Development Commission, has been working to empower smallholder farmers and promote agribusiness in Abia communities.

Mr Onyeizu stated that the beneficiaries, including youths, women-headed households, and persons with disabilities, would be trained and empowered in four commodities: poultry, fishery, rice, and cassava, over the next three years.

He disclosed that LIFE-ND, which has had a significant impact in the state, has empowered at least 4,250 beneficiaries in agri-enterprises during the first phase of the project. He said that IFAD decided to extend the project with additional financing, having exceeded expectations in the first phase.

Mr Onyeizu said that 630 beneficiaries for batch one of the additional financing were selected from 47 communities in Ohafia, Bende, Obingwa, Aba South, Isialangwa South, and Umuahia South LGAs.

The commissioner for agriculture, Cliff Agbaeze, promised that the ministry would continue to play its pivotal role in providing policy direction, coordination, and an enabling environment that would make the project possible, in line with Governor Alex Otti’s vision for Abia.

Mr Agbaeze urged the beneficiaries to commit to the project’s goals by establishing businesses that are bankable, sustainable, and socially responsible. 

He said that LIFE-ND is not just a programme but a promise that the talents and ambitions of young agripreneurs would be matched with practical skills, mentorship, and market pathways.

(NAN)