Imo Govt Urges NDDC to Expand LIFE-ND Project Across 27 LGAs to Boost Food Security

The Imo State Government has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to extend the FGN/NDDC/IFAD Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises–Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project to all 27 local government areas of the state to enhance food production and empower rural communities.

Governor Hope Uzodinma made the appeal at the opening of a three-day orientation training for the third batch of LIFE-ND incubatees and incubators in Owerri over the weekend. Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Chief Cosmas Maduba, the governor said expanding the programme would significantly improve agricultural productivity and create sustainable livelihoods across Imo.

He described LIFE-ND as one of the most impactful development projects in the state, particularly in rural areas, commending its focus on youth empowerment and crime reduction through agribusiness.

“Since I assumed office as Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, LIFE-ND has been the most successful and inspiring programme in reaching the grassroots through agriculture,” Maduba said.

He revealed that Governor Uzodinma promptly approved the state’s counterpart funding — the first in the Niger Delta region — to ensure smooth implementation.

“The government is committed to supporting initiatives that improve food availability and quality for our people,” he added, urging participants to take the training seriously to become self-reliant in food production.

The NDDC State Representative, Dr. Kerian Uchegbu, expressed appreciation to the governor for his commitment to the programme, promising to relay Imo’s request for expansion to the Commission’s leadership.

He noted that NDDC had initiated several projects to enhance the welfare of citizens, including scholarships, youth empowerment, and security support.

Earlier, the State Project Coordinator for LIFE-ND, Mrs. Victoria Igboanugo, said the training was designed to prepare participants for the challenges and opportunities of agribusiness.

“This orientation will expose them to key areas such as environmental sustainability, nutrition, record keeping, gender inclusion, and technology in agriculture,” she said.

The LIFE-ND programme, jointly implemented by the Federal Government, NDDC, IFAD, and participating states, operates across the nine Niger Delta states. It adopts the traditional Igbo apprenticeship model, pairing experienced farmers (incubators) with trainees (incubatees) from the same communities for practical learning and mentorship.

Stakeholders say expanding the project across Imo’s 27 LGAs could strengthen food security, reduce unemployment, and advance the state’s agrarian economy.