Beneficiaries of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises for Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) in Abia State have been advised to ensure proper book-keeping and documentation of their transactions for easy scrutiny by the project supervisors.
The State Project Coordinator, Dr. Uchenna Rowland Onyeizu, who gave the charge during the distribution of inputs to 72 out of the 650 beneficiaries, reminded them that the empowerment inputs were given in form of loans.
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The beneficiaries were trained in different agric-enterprises – palm oil, cassava, rice and poultry processing. Those empowered are expected to commence business this season, while others would get theirs at the appropriate season.
The National Project Coordinator, Mr Abiodun Sanni, represented by the Project Consultant, Dr. Emmanuel Ochalifu, urged the beneficiaries to avail themselves of the opportunities and ensure optimal use of the inputs.
While responding on behalf of the state Government, Mrs. Chinyere Nwogwugwu, from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, lauded Abia LIFE-ND for its contributions towards the initiative.
Items distributed during this first phase were – haulage trucks, rice-sealing machines, agro-chemical products, wheelbarrows, de-feathering machines, generating sets and rain boots amongst others.
LIFE-ND is a multi-million-naira project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Federal Government, Niger Delta Development Commission and the state government but operates in six of the nine Niger Delta states presently.
Part of the LIFE-ND project target is to engage the youths meaningfully and promote food security among others.