By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
2- NOV- 2025

Imo State has reiterated its commitment to achieving food sufficiency and strengthening agricultural development through innovative strategies and youth empowerment programmes. This was highlighted by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Chief Cosmos Madugba, during the official flag-off of a three-day orientation training for the third batch of participants in the state’s youth-focused agricultural incubation scheme. The programme, held in Owerri, is in partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise for the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND).

Representing Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chief Madugba commended the State Government for its visionary leadership, timely payment of counterpart funding, and enabling environment that has attracted key development partners. He revealed that over 1,400 young people have already benefited from agriculture, manufacturing, and skills acquisition under this initiative, making it one of the most impactful empowerment programmes in the state.

Chief Madugba praised LIFE-ND as the most successful donor-supported agricultural programme in Imo State, describing it as robust, sustainable, and youth-focused. He emphasized that the project targets young people between the ages of 18 and 35 — a critical demographic in the nation’s development process — equipping them with modern agricultural techniques to boost food production and enhance self-reliance. He called on the NDDC to extend the programme beyond the current 10 participating local government areas to all 27 LGAs in the state.

The Commissioner reiterated that food production is a core component of the Uzodimma administration’s strategic agenda, stressing that food is fundamental to life and national development. He appealed to the trainees to take the programme seriously, show commitment, and give back to their communities as a demonstration of gratitude for the resources being invested in them.

He further assured that the Ministry of Agriculture, NDDC, IFAD, and LIFE-ND remain committed to supporting participants to ensure sustained implementation and results. According to him, agriculture remains a key pathway to fighting hunger, creating jobs, and transforming the rural economy for prosperity.

In his remarks, Engr. Sani Abiodun, National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, represented by Technical Officer Mr. Bunmi Ogunleye, stated that out of over 3,000 applicants, less than 20 percent were selected, urging participants to consider themselves privileged. He described youth as the backbone of national progress and encouraged them to seize the opportunity to transform their lives and communities through agribusiness.

Adding his voice, Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, Imo State representative on the NDDC Board, expressed delight at the programme’s success in mobilizing youths toward agriculture. He applauded Governor Uzodimma’s leadership as Chairman of the NDDC Governors Advisory Council and noted that Imo was the first to fulfill counterpart funding obligations, enabling the programme’s smooth execution. He revealed that in other Niger Delta states such as Ondo, beneficiaries have become successful agripreneurs, even rising to millionaire status through dedication and proper use of the skills acquired.

Dr. Uchegbu warned participants against seeing the initiative as a “national cake,” emphasizing that it is a transformative programme that rewards hard work and productivity. He explained that successful trainees would receive further financial support to expand their ventures in areas like fishery, poultry, farming, and food processing, thereby contributing to job creation and food security.

The NDDC representative further disclosed that the Commission now offers up to 400 scholarships annually for postgraduate studies within Nigeria and abroad and is implementing community development projects such as rural electrification under the “Light Up Niger Delta” initiative.

Earlier, Mrs. Victoria Igboanugo, the Imo State LIFE-ND Project Coordinator, welcomed participants and highlighted that the training would cover critical areas such as environmental sustainability, climate change, nutrition, record-keeping, gender inclusion, and digital technology in agribusiness. She explained the project’s apprenticeship model, which pairs experienced farmers (incubators) with trainees (incubatees) for mentorship and hands-on learning.

Mrs. Igboanugo expressed gratitude to IFAD, NDDC, the Federal Government, and Governor Uzodimma for their unwavering support and timely funding. She urged the selected participants to take full advantage of the programme, reminding them that their stipends have been fully provided to support their transportation throughout the training period.

The event marked another bold step by the Imo State Government in its mission to empower youths, strengthen rural economies, ensure food sufficiency, and position agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.