The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has called on Nigeria to fully harness the potential of its youth to achieve food sovereignty.
The call was made by IFAD’s Country Director, Mrs. Dede Ekoue, on Thursday in Benin during the 5th Supervision Mission of the Federal Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and IFAD-Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises — Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project.
Mrs. Ekoue explained that the LIFE-ND project is designed to empower youths and women with practical skills in agricultural business across the Niger Delta region.
To ensure effectiveness, the program uses a business incubation model, where all trainees undergo comprehensive training before becoming independent entrepreneurs.
Ekoue said that IFAD invested over $30 million in the first phase of the LIFE-ND project, benefiting more than 26,000 people.
“We are talking about agricultural food system transformation; it is a key topic on the global platform. Food sovereignty cannot be achieved without fully harnessing the potential of youths in agriculture. The youth population is huge, so LIFE-ND is aimed at equipping them with practical skills through our business incubation model. By the time they complete the process, they emerge as business owners,” she said.
The country director also highlighted the project’s success in linking agricultural entrepreneurs to markets, enabling them to generate income and sales.
“Creating jobs for youths is key to growth, peace, and development,” she stressed.
On women empowerment, Ekoue added, “LIFE-ND also focuses on women. Women are central to food production, food transformation, food sovereignty, and proper nutrition.”
Dr. Abiodun Sanni, National Coordinator of LIFE-ND, disclosed that the first phase of the program recorded 26,470 beneficiaries, including young agro-entrepreneurs, women, and persons with disabilities. He emphasized the project’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Blessing Omole, said she attended the three-month training and was able to save part of the stipend she received during the course.
“I was given N100,000 after the training as one of the best students. I added it to my savings and started a day-old bird business, which I have grown successfully,” she said.
Grace Nwozuzua, a physically challenged beneficiary, said she never thought it would be possible due to her condition but expressed gratitude for being able to raise day-old birds to maturity independently.
Mavis Edoghawere, a fishery entrepreneur, also thanked the program for enabling her to hire workers and trainers, boosting her business operations.
