The Edo government has reiterated its commitment to sustaining and expanding the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta project.

The commissioner for agriculture and food security, Jerry Uwangue, disclosed this in Benin during the wrap-up of the Fifth Joint Supervision Mission of the FGN/NDDC/IFAD LIFE-ND Project.

This joint initiative, a collaboration between the federal government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, aims to enhance rural livelihoods through the development of agribusiness.

Mr Uwangue said the eight-day mission marked another milestone in the collective efforts of partners to enhance rural livelihoods through agribusiness development, youth empowerment, and food systems transformation across the Niger Delta region.

He said Edo’s collaboration with IFAD and NDDC, under the proposed LIFE-ND Plus Initiative, was designed to consolidate achievements and extend project benefits to more communities and beneficiaries.

“Agriculture remains central to Edo’s economic diversification agenda. We are committed to strengthening food systems, promoting value addition, and creating market opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses,” he said.

The IFAD country director in Nigeria, Dede Ekoue, represented by the country programme analyst, Ogunniyi Adebayo, described LIFE-ND as more than a development intervention but “a movement of hope, resilience, and transformation for young Nigerians”.

He commended the innovation and enterprise displayed by the beneficiaries across the region, stating that the project had continued to unlock productivity among young people and women.

“From our field visits, LIFE-ND stands as a living testimony of how targeted investments in youth and women can transform communities.

“IFAD remains committed to scaling up this success through additional financing,” Mr Adebayo said.

Additionally, Abiodun Sanni, the national project coordinator of LIFE-ND, stated that the mission offered an opportunity to assess progress, share lessons, and enhance sustainability strategies.

“The LIFE-ND project has proven to be a model of partnership—empowering youths and women, building viable agribusinesses, and promoting inclusive rural transformation, identifying access to finance and climate resilience as key priorities going forward,” Mr Sanni said.

In a closing remark, the Edo project coordinator, John Omoruyi, expressed appreciation to the mission team for their professionalism, dedication, and constructive feedback, adding that their insights would strengthen project delivery and sustainability.

“Your guidance will enhance our implementation strategies and long-term impact,” Mr Omoruyi said.

He reaffirmed the Edo government’s commitment to implementing agreed action points with renewed vigour and accountability.

The mission brought together representatives of FG, NDDC, IFAD, and participating states to review project performance, engage beneficiaries, and chart a roadmap for the next phase of the LIFE-ND initiative.

(NAN)