Edo Govt, IFAD launch Livelihood programme for 630 youths, women


 No fewer than  630 young people, women, and people with disabilities  have been trained by the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) in Edo State.


Speaking at the event in Benin, Governor Monday Okpebholo  said that his administration's agricultural initiatives were pathways to prosperity and economic development. 

The Governor who was represented by Commissioner for Agriculture, Jerry Uwangue said he would transform Edo into a hub of modern agriculture and food security.


The Governor thanked the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for their consistent partnership and support for the project.


He said that  the project has continued to empower rural youth and women to engage meaningfully in agriculture. 


Governor Okpebholo said agriculture has been repositioned as the cornerstone of his Agricultural Transformation and Food Security Policy.


He said he prioritized agricultural mechanization, youth empowerment, job creation, rural development, and industrialization. 


According to him, "The IFAD LIFE-ND project objectives align perfectly with the vision of our administration to nurture young farmers into successful agripreneurs who can transform subsistence farming into profitable agribusiness ventures.


"With 630 incubatees participating, we are not just training individuals; we are breeding a new generation of innovators, leaders, and wealth creators who will drive Edo State toward self-sufficiency in food production," 


"Our Ministry remains committed to supporting all LIFE-ND beneficiaries through improved access to inputs, extension services, value chain development, and linkages to markets. 


"We are also integrating LIFE-ND initiatives into the broader state agricultural transformation framework to ensure sustainability beyond donor support."


"As a government, we will continue to provide an enabling environment for agribusiness to thrive through policies that encourage mechanization, irrigation, access to finance, and private-sector collaboration." He said


Edo Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Mr John Omoruyi, said Governor Okpebholo has shown commitment to strengthening food security and empowering youths in agriculture. 


Omoruyi said large hectares of land would be made available for beneficiaries.


 According to him, "Many youths will be trained along business lines in agriculture. The Governor is sustaining the project across the 18 local government areas.”


On her part, the Agribusiness Promotion Coordinator of the project, Esenwa Anthonia, cautioned the beneficiaries against not being serious about the project, warning that those found not performing would be replaced.


On his part, the National Coordinator of the project, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, who was represented by Osaegwiwa Justina, said that when the project started, some communities pursued them from their areas, but that today, people are thronging to be part of it.


Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) representative, Mrs Osabuohien Clementina, cautioned against beneficiaries using the fund for other uses.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gov Okpebholo Shrinks Edo’s Debt, Expands Development Through Prudent Financial Management

Image
By Fred Itua In a political and economic landscape where debt accumulation has become a norm, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State is quietly scripting a new narrative; one anchored on prudence, discipline, and purposeful leadership. His administration is redefining what is possible when integrity meets strategy in governance. The Debt Management Office (DMO) recent release, shows that Edo State’s domestic debt has dropped significantly from ₦113 billion in December 2024 to ₦80 billion by June 2025, while foreign debt has reduced from $383 million to $337 million. This rare achievement did not come through new loans, bailouts, or federal interventions; it came through careful management, transparent spending, and strategic prioritization. In less than a year in office, Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated that progress does not depend on reckless borrowing, but on sound economic thinking and disciplined governance. The governor’s stewardship has shifted the state’s fiscal trajectory f...
Read more

OKOMU OIL PALM COMPANY REWARDS LOYAL EMPLOYEES

Image
The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc has rewarded  82 of its employees for their commitment, dedication, and loyalty during its 2025  Long Service Award Ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Edo State. The awardees, who had served the company for 15, 20, and 25 years respectively, received various household gift items including King-sized beds, Wardrobes, Dining sets, Upholstery chairs, Generators, and 32-inch flat-screen television sets. They also received cash prizes in recognition of their years of service. Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the company, Dr. Graham Hefer, commended the recipients for their unwavering commitment and contribution to the growth of the company. “The staff who have been rewarded today have given back part of their contributions to this company. They have shown loyalty and commitment over the years, and we are privileged to have people who have worked with us for as long as 25 years,” Dr. Hefer said. “The company is happy to celeb...
Read more
 NUJ Federated Chapel holds Annual Lecture, Federated Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)  Edo State Council has announced  to hold its 2023 Annual Lecture on 28th September 2023 at the Edo NUJ Event hall. This was disclosed in a meeting held by the organizing committee in the Chapel Secretariat at NUJ  signed by the Chairman organizing Committee , Prince Leo Eziekiel  and Secretary Pastor Confidence Osarumwense ahead of the event. The event which has   the Theme  Unraveling the Nexus of bad governance and irregular migration: The Media as a Catalyst for Desired Change  would be delivered by Mr. Nevile  Onebamhoi Obakhedo under the distinguished Chairmanship of Prof. Henry Oghator. According to the statement, Apostle Gordon Ada Osaigede of Spirit and Life Bible Family Bible Church would also be decorated as Patron of the Chapel while the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe would also be honoured respectively.
Read more