The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has urged Nigeria to harness the potential of its youth population to achieve food sovereignty and drive agricultural transformation.
Speaking in Benin City during the 5th Supervision Mission of the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the IFAD-Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project, Dede Ekoue, IFAD Country Director, stated that empowering young people remains crucial to ensuring sustainable food systems.
She explained that the LIFE-ND project, which focuses on youth and women empowerment through agribusiness incubation, has received over $30 million in funding and currently benefits more than 26,000 participants.
“Food sovereignty cannot be achieved without fully harnessing the potential of youths in agriculture,” Ekoue said. “By equipping them with practical agribusiness skills, we are creating jobs, promoting peace, and driving development.”
She also underscored the vital role of women, describing them as “key to food production, transformation, and proper nutrition.”
Dr. Abiodun Sanni, National Coordinator of LIFE-ND, reaffirmed the project’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that it continues to empower agro-entrepreneurs, women, and persons with disabilities across the Niger Delta.
Beneficiaries shared inspiring success stories. Blessing Omole, who received a N100,000 grant after training, now runs a profitable poultry business, while Grace Nwozuzua, a physically challenged participant, said the programme gave her confidence to raise day-old chicks to maturity.
Another beneficiary, Mavis Edoghawere, who ventured into fish farming, said, “Thanks to LIFE-ND, I now have workers and trainers; I’ve become an employer of labour.”
