NDDC, LIFE-ND tour N/Delta in agribusiness incubation drive
By Faridat Salifu
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises–Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) have jointly conducted a three-day oversight tour of agricultural incubation centers in the Niger Delta region in a fresh bid to scale up efforts at transforming agriculture across the region.
Officials of the two establishments recently inspected agricultural incubation centres in Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers states to evaluate programme performance and engage with incubatees.
The inspection included visits to Megalakes Farms in Ogu Town, Rivers State, as well as centres in Delta and Imo.
Dr Winifred Madume, NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, said the inspections aimed to ensure the training is on track with its mandate and aligns with the agricultural objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Special Assistant on Agriculture to the NDDC Managing Director, Mr Abi Morris, expressed satisfaction with the level of programme implementation, noting the enthusiasm of young agripreneurs who have either launched enterprises or are undergoing incubation.
He added that the initiative goes beyond training, fostering livelihoods, skills, and rural economic development.
Miss Nzhu Salome, a beneficiary in Sogho, Rivers State, said the programme provided her with knowledge and funding to start her own garri marketing business.
In Imo State, incubatees like Ibigineh Doreen commended the initiative for strengthening their fish farming operations.
Dr Oretan Adebowale, Director in Agriculture and Fisheries in Akwa Ibom, encouraged beneficiaries to apply the skills gained to drive sustainable agriculture in their communities.
Mr Ohaka Emmanuel, selected for the third batch of incubation, also expressed gratitude for learning fish production, processing, and marketing.
In a related development, the Organic Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (OFPAN) urged farmers to adopt organic practices to ensure food safety and promote sustainable agriculture.
OFPAN President, Alhaji Adams Musa, warned against using harmful substances such as cement and calcium carbide for food preservation, describing them as toxic and potentially fatal.
He explained that such practices have contributed to the rejection of Nigerian agricultural produce in international markets.
The OFPAN helmsman stressed that organic farming is safer, enhances soil health, protects crops from pests, and eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals.
Musa called on government and stakeholders to intensify public awareness campaigns, workshops, and training to reduce harmful preservation practices among farmers.
He asserted that sustained education would help limit the trend, ensuring safer food production and stronger agricultural competitiveness.