The International Fund for Agricultural Development/Livelihood Improvement and Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (IFAD-LIFE-ND) has reached 66 of the 104 targeted communities in Rivers State since September 2024.
Mr. Loveday Itatat, Rivers State Project Coordinator (SPC), disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja during the ongoing training of the second batch of the project’s incubators and incubatees in the state.
He said the figure represented 63.5 per cent coverage, adding that 350 incubatees and 25 incubation centres were engaged in the first batch of the programme.
According to him, the first batch achieved a commendable gender balance, with 54 per cent female and 46 per cent male participation.
“About 70 per cent of the incubatees have been empowered and have commenced their individual businesses. The empowerment of the remaining 30 per cent, who are mostly long-term incubatees that have just completed their apprenticeship, is underway with the supply of inputs required to start their businesses,” he said.
On the second batch, Itatat described participation as both an opportunity and a responsibility, noting that it comprised 47 incubators (trainers) and 520 incubatees (trainees).
He identified the initiative as a reflection of the commitment of the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), IFAD and the Rivers State Government to empower citizens and host communities.
The coordinator urged beneficiaries to embrace the training with passion and take full advantage of the mentorship and support provided.
“Strive for excellence and sustainability in your enterprises. I urge you to make the most of this opportunity. Let us collectively work to make the LIFE-ND project in the state a model for others to follow.
“The project coordinating offices, both at the national and state levels, remain dedicated to supporting your success. This includes the timely release of allowances, provision of tools and inputs, continuous extension services and follow-up,” he added.
The LIFE-ND project is jointly funded by the Federal Government through a loan from IFAD, with additional support from the NDDC and counterpart funding from nine participating Niger Delta States.
Its goal is to transform the rural economy by increasing income, food security and job creation for youths, women-headed households and persons with disabilities through agri-enterprise development, using the incubation model.
