IFAD/LIFE-ND Project Empowers 12,000 Youths Across Six Nigerian States: A Paradigm Shift in Agribusiness and Youth Empowerment
In a transformative collaboration between the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Livelihood Improvement Family for the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), a groundbreaking project is set to empower 12,000 youths across six states in Nigeria, ushering in a new era of agribusiness and sustainable livelihoods.
Empowering Youth Through Agribusiness: A Vision Unveiled
The IFAD/LIFE-ND project, established in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, has set its sights on agribusinesses within the agricultural value chain. The core objective is clear: to uplift beneficiaries from the clutches of poverty and guide them toward self-reliance.
The national project coordinator, Engr. Sanni Abiodun, made this significant announcement during the orientation exercise for the 5th batch of incubatees in Cross River State. The project’s reach extends across states including Cross River, Abia, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, and Ondo, aiming to create a ripple effect of positive change in the lives of young Nigerians.
A Holistic Approach: Objectives and Cardinal Principles
The IFAD/LIFE-ND project stands on a solid foundation with cardinal objectives that encompass critical aspects of societal development. These include ensuring food security, creating job opportunities, mainstreaming nutrition, addressing climate change concerns, promoting financial inclusiveness, and generating sustainable income for participants.
In Calabar, the Cross River State capital, Abiodun emphasized the need for a paradigm shift. The initiative focuses not only on immediate economic empowerment but also on equipping the youth with skills that foster long-term sustainability.
Selecting Tomorrow’s Leaders: Orientation and Training
The orientation exercise, which marked the initiation of the 5th batch of incubatees, showcased the rigorous selection process undertaken to identify individuals with the potential to drive change. Abiodun applauded the participants for their tenacity and commitment, highlighting their qualification for Batch Five of the IFAD/LIFE-ND project.
During the orientation, Abiodun urged the incubatees to embrace qualities such as hard work, discipline, loyalty, and commitment. These qualities, he stressed, are essential for the transformation they seek in their businesses and personal lives, emphasizing the project’s broader impact on poverty alleviation.
Guidance for Success: Operational Guidelines and Mentorship
Representatives from the national coordinator, including Engr. Moluno Anthony Ndidi, emphasized the importance of adhering to operational guidelines. These guidelines serve as the blueprint for success, guiding incubatees on their journey from trainees to successful entrepreneurs in the agro-business landscape.
Dr. Clement Uwem, representing the national coordinator in Cross River Central, and Mr. Allswell Kelly Akari, representing the national coordinator in the North, provided insights into the potential for these beneficiaries to elevate their social and financial status through focused and strategic efforts in their chosen agribusiness sectors.
Government Commitment: Partnering for Progress
The commitment of the Cross River State government to poverty reduction, especially within the agriculture value chain, was reiterated by Johnson Ebokpo Jr., the Commissioner for Agriculture, Crops, and Irrigation Development. The state government, represented by the commissioner, expressed readiness to collaborate with organizations driving positive change, aligning with the administration’s vision for sustainable development and youth empowerment.
Anticipating a Ripple Effect: A Future Envisioned
The IFAD/LIFE-ND project stands as a beacon of hope, promising to empower thousands of youths and contribute significantly to the economic growth and resilience of the participating states. As these incubatees embark on their training journey, the ripple effect is anticipated to create a positive impact on the broader community and pave the way for a more prosperous future.
The IFAD/LIFE-ND project emerges not only as a transformative force in the lives of 12,000 Nigerian youths but as a model for sustainable development and youth empowerment across the nation. The journey has just begun, and as these young entrepreneurs delve into the world of agribusiness, the promise of a brighter, self-reliant future looms on the horizon.
