NDDC, Others To Boost Food Production

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has enhanced its personnel with training to supervise and support local agribusinesses.

This was done in collaboration with a group, Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND).

This was made known at a capacity-building training held in Sapele local government area, themed, “Innovative Agricultural Systems, Agribusiness and Climate-Smart Aquaculture.”

The national project coordinator of LIFE-ND, Dr Abiodun Sanni, said the training was part of their initiative to promote agribusiness and sustainable farming practices using scientific innovations.

Represented by Mrs Ngozi Oharechesi, Sanni revealed that the project aims to reach 12,750 beneficiaries across Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers states through its agricultural incubation model, which has already trained thousands of women and youths.

“The programme aims to equip NDDC agricultural supervisors with modern knowledge and techniques to support rural farmers to focus on rice, cassava, plantain, oil palm, cocoa, poultry and fishery production.

“NDDC is a co-funder of LIFE-ND, which began six years ago with IFAD support in states like Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Ondo. This is our first major training for Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers where 60 participants have been selected to benefit,” he stated.

The deputy director, Agriculture and Fisheries at NDDC, Mr Frank Oputu-Tonye, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to sustaining the initiative through continuous funding and support.