The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is empowering over 25,500 youths and women in agricultural entrepreneurship across Niger Delta states. Speaking during a technical working session on Group Savings, Loans, and Bookkeeping in Owerri, Imo State, the National Project Coordinator, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, represented by Mr. Bunmi Ogunleye, shared details of the initiative.
The project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), spans 12 years and includes two six-year phases. Initially launched in 2019 across six states, it expanded in 2024 to include three more, bringing the total to nine states in the Niger Delta.
The initiative aims to empower participants by focusing on the agricultural value chains of commodities like cassava, fish, cocoa, and poultry. Training covers production, processing, and marketing, with an emphasis on business skills like record-keeping. Participants, selected from rural areas, are trained to build their capacity for self-reliance, receive startup capital, and improve their financial management and credit rating.
National Financial Inclusion Specialist, Obiageli Ekwelie, explained that participants will learn to run their enterprises sustainably, with a focus on building saving habits and improving access to financial services.
