Over 1,000 Abia ‌Youth, Women Begin LIFE-ND Agri-Enterprises Training

News in Brief:

— Over 1,000 young people and women have been enrolled for practical training in LIFE-ND agricultural enterprises.

— Experienced Agripreneurs are participating as trainers and mentors at various levels of the agricultural value chain.

In an effort to create income opportunities for Abia State citizens through agriculture, the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises-Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project has enrolled 1,020 youth and women.

The project is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for women and youths in participating states. 

Project Offers Apprenticeship Model of Training

During the orientation program in Umuahia, the Knowledge Management & Communication Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Dr Jerus Uvieghara, explained that the programme will equip participants with agri-entrepreneurship skills for self-reliance. These participants were part of the second batch of the project’s additional financing.

The coordinator revealed that LIFE-ND uses an incubation model which involves experienced agripreneurs as trainers and mentors to provide practical training. Following the orientation, participants will be posted to the enterprises of selected trainers for apprenticeship and mentorship.

The current batch represents an increase from slightly above 600 beneficiaries in the first batch. Uvieghara attributed the expansion to additional financing approved in 2025 after the project's performance.

The Abia Agri-Business Promotion Officer, Godwin Chukwuekezie, said participants signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with their incubators and LIFE-ND to clarify the responsibilities of all parties.

Monitoring teams will also conduct regular visits to training centres to assess attendance and compliance.