NDDC COMPLIES WITH IFAD PARTNERSHIP, PLEDGES COMMITMENT TO OTHER PARTNERSHIPS

 By Dr Helen Chimezie

The Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), has complied with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) partnership, by starting its contribution towards the implementation of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises (LIFE-ND) project for the three NDDC funded states - Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers State.

This was made known by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, during the LIFE-ND  initiative launch for Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers State, which held on September 13, 2024 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Speaking at the launching, Dr Ogbuku said the partnership between NDDC and IFAD actually predated his administration as management and board, but having realized that the noncompliance of the NDDC in disbursing its counterpart fund had deprived the States of Abia, Imo and Rivers from benefitting from the LIFE-ND project, his management has agreed to earnestly start their contribution towards the IFAD partnership.

He also disclosed that this was done to eliminate any danger sign that may hamper the commission's future partnership with development partners and donor agencies.

"When we came in, we launched our public-private partnership scheme which was largely attended on the 25th of April 2023 in Lagos. We also had other meetings with development agencies where we are seeking for collaboration and partnership towards the development of the Niger Delta.

"And we only had one burden, and that burden was, we have an existing partnership going by our records, and we are yet to meet up with our obligation in that partnership, why then do we seek for further partnership.

"And IFAD being an offshoot of the United Nations, and we are talking about partnering with development partners and donor agencies whereas we are yet to comply with IFAD partnership, we believe that was going to be a danger sign, where our approach for partnership maybe turned down or might not be accepted at all.

"So we thought the one we already have at hand, let us ensure we make good use of it, before we start looking for the other ones that are yet to come," he said.

Dr Ogbuku stressed that the LIFE-ND project which is a laudable agricultural programme that will benefit the people of the Niger Delta, is inline with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's declaration of State of emergency in Agriculture.

"All our activities and engagements in the NDDC is to ensure that we implement the programmes and activities of the present administration of Mr President, who is committed to ensuring that the Niger Delta is developed, and the narratives in the region as being underdeveloped changes.

"We know this present administration is very committed to ensuring that the NDDC is well funded, hence you can see that Mr President has also improved the monthly allocation of the NDDC, by tripling it. It is now left for us to ensure that what we are getting, we use it judiciously.

"The president has also shown commitment by approving a one trillion naira in our budget to fund abandoned legacy projects in the Niger Delta. And as I speak to you, modalities are being worked out on how this fund is going to be raised, and specific projects that are going to be tied to this fund, and to ensure that the projects are committed," he said.

Dr Ogbuku also lauded the National Assembly members from the region, headed by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, for passing the NDDC budget within 24 hours. This he noted shows their commitment in ensuring the NDDC is not stagnated.

He assured that once the budget is passed, the area of agriculture will be well funded, revealing that the NDDC's contribution to IFAD is well captured in the commission's 2024 budget.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Olawale Edu, stated that LIFE-ND was a crucial part of Nigeria’s strategy to address unemployment, boost food security, and unlock the agricultural potential of the Niger Delta.

The Minister, who was represented by a director in his ministry, Mr. Steve Ohaeri, commended the NDDC for coming up with its counterpart fund for the LIFE-ND project, urging the Commission to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural programme.

Speaking in a similar vein, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who was represented by Dr Peter Kush, acknowledged the impact of the LIFE-ND project in raising agriculture-based enterprises and mentoring thousands of apprentices across the Niger Delta region.

The Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara on his part, reiterated that the Development of agriculture in Rivers State is a major area of concentration in his administration.

The governor who was represented by his  Special Adviser on Civil Society Relations, Rt Hon Achor Prince Nna, recalled that few days ago, the governor inaugurated the Investment Promotion Board of Rivers State, and made it clear that the focal area should be in agriculture. Adding that the Rivers Songhai Farm sited in Ogoni land will be revived in no distant time, because the governor knows the importance of agriculture to livelihood and nationhood.

Nna also said that the governor has aligned different activities which will benefit the people, he therefore charged the NDDC to try in its endeavour to enter partnership with their host community, especially their host State in particular. "Considering and citing the role that State governments play in our land use Act".

The IFAD Country Director, Mrs. Dede Ekoue, emphasized the goal of LIFE-ND in promoting youth and women agribusinesses, food security, and inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the Niger Delta’s agri-food sector. According to her, the collaboration with the NDDC on the project had been a huge success.

She stated: “I would like to reiterate that IFAD remains a steadfast partner in supporting the development of sustainable rural livelihoods in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole. We are confident that through continued collaboration and innovation, LIFE-ND will continue to empower rural communities and contribute to a more prosperous and food-secure future for all.”

In his speech, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, said that the life-ND project stood as a beacon of hope and progress for Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers States.

“The LIFE-ND project is more than just an initiative; it is a concerted effort to address the challenges faced by our communities and to harness the opportunities for growth and development.

Our journey towards a more prosperous and sustainable Niger Delta is one defined by shared goals, mutual respect, and the unwavering belief that together, we can overcome the challenges that have long hindered our development.

Our partnership with IFAD has been instrumental in empowering our farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity. This partnership dates back to 2005 when NDDC supported an initiative of the Federal government with a matching fund with IFAD in the sum of USD15 million for the Community Based Natural Resource Management Programme - Niger Delta (CBNRMP-ND).

Giving an overview of the project, the National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, said that the success recorded in the initial six states had set a high standard that would be replicated in the newly funded states of Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers.

He explained: “For the six states where LIFE-ND (Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Ondo - IFAD funded) has already taken root, we have seen results that are nothing short of inspiring—10 Local Government Areas per state, 10 communities per LGA, each one a testament to the possibilities when we cultivate the right partnerships and persevere in the face of challenges."

The event had in attendance representative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance, representative of the Rivers State governor, commissioners for agriculture from the three NDDC funded states, NDDC directors, the LIFE-ND Project Team, and the media.

 

 

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