LIFE-ND: Beneficiaries Display Thriving Farms, AKSG Lauds Initiative

 

Members of high table with traditional rulers

Anietie Ammah 

For many young people in rural communities, the search for meaningful opportunities can often feel uncertain. However, Mr. Obot Akpaso's case was different, as it led him to a life-changing opportunity through the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFEND) Project.

Akpaso recalled the moment his journey began, when he was working in his farm, a town crier announced a community sensitization meeting about the project at the village square. Curious and hopeful, he left his farm immediately to attend the gathering. After listening to the project team explain the initiative, he was profiled with forms filled out. Weeks later, he received the news that would reshape his future through a text message he received informing him he had been selected through what he described as a transparent and unbiased process.

High table with some Incubatees

Today, Akpaso is not just a beneficiary but a thriving poultry farmer at Odoro Aka ididep, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.

 According to him, the project provided intensive training in modern poultry production techniques, transportation stipends during the training, with seed capital and PPEs during the course of training. Fortunately, I am among those beneficiaries certified to receive working capital for commencement of my business. 

Cross section of Incubatees/beneficiary

“The experience has been life-changing,” he said during the official flag-off ceremony for the release of working capital to 2nd & 3rd Batch Incubatees in Akwa Ibom State on March 10, 2026.

High table members with beneficiaries and their cheques

In her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs ) Offiong Offor, highlighted the uniqueness of the LIFE-ND programme, saying the project uses an Incubation Model that allows participants to undergo hands-on training over a specified period, equipping them with the practical knowledge and resources needed to run profitable agribusiness enterprises. 

Offor hinted that, the programme is designed to empower about 4,250 beneficiaries across Akwa Ibom State,  so far, about 1,420 incubatees have graduated and are already making significant progress in various agricultural value chains, including cassava production, oil palm cultivation, aquaculture and poultry farming. 

Engr Evong Evong NDDC Director presenting a cheque to a beneficiary

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator in the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, described the project as an opportunity for youths, women and Persons With Disabilities to transform their lives. 

Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Etukudo, Obareki expressed appreciation to the project’s partners for their commitment to improving the livelihoods of rural residents and  expressed optimism that the project would continue to expand across all 31 Local Government Areas of the State. 

Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture presenting a cheque to. an Incubatee

While congratulating the beneficiaries, the National Project Coordinator, Engr. Dr. Abiodun Sanni, reminded them that the programme goes beyond training, but designed to equip participants with the discipline, entrepreneurial mindset, and resources needed to build sustainable enterprises along the agricultural value chain.

Sanni encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained to grow their agribusinesses and create more opportunities within their communities.

Welcoming the attendees, the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Solomon Joe explained that the LIFE-ND project aims to transform the rural economy of the Niger Delta by improving income levels, enhancing food security, and creating employment opportunities for youths, women, and Persons Living With Disabilities. 

SPC presenting a cheque to an Incubatees

Joe revealed that the programme has already recorded significant milestones, including the empowerment of 350 beneficiaries in the first batch, training and mentoring of 500 and 570 Incubatees in 2nd & 3rd Batches respectively.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, represented by the Akwa Ibom State Director, Engr. Evong Evong, expressed satisfaction that the commission’s investment in the programme is producing tangible results, as evidenced by the success stories of beneficiaries.

Similarly, the Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, Dr. Ian Gbinigie, emphasized that the programme is gradually changing the long-held perception among young people that farming is merely an occupation of the older generation.

Beyond individual success stories, the FGN/NDDC/IFAD funded Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project’s ripple effects are being felt across communities in Akwa Ibom State.  Expressing gratitude, Hon. Bassey Etteyit, an incubator under the programme, observed that the initiative has significantly impacted the communities where it operates.

Etteyit, noted that the incubatees under his supervision performed exceptionally well during the training period and have successfully graduated with the skills needed to manage their agribusiness ventures.

Traditional rulers have also acknowledged the programme’s positive influence. The Village Head of Nung Udoe Itak community, Eteidung Christopher Itong and Mbierebe Akpawat Community, Eteidung Effiong Akpan lauded the project team for actively involving community leaders in the implementation process. 

According to them, agriculture is evolving and the project has helped local farmers adopt modern, healthier farming methods introduced during the training sessions.

The LIFE-ND Project stands today as one of the region’s most impactful empowerment initiatives, a collaborative effort designed to improve income, strengthen food security and create sustainable employment for rural population.

The highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques to selected beneficiaries, a moment that represented not just financial support, but the promise of brighter future and thriving rural enterprises.