By Nitoni Osain, Yenagoa
The Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), a federal intervention project, has launched the Agribusiness Innovative Forum (LAbIF) to create jobs and empower farmers in Bayelsa.
LIFE-ND is funded by the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Bayelsa government.
Speaking at the event on Monday in Yenagoa, Dr Panebi Ugo, the State Project Coordinator, LIFE-ND, hinted that agribusiness had become central to Nigeria’s economy.
Represented by Mr Diweri Akah, Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, LIFE ND Bayelsa, said that the platform is a culmination of efforts by their organisation in conjunction with various stakeholders to provide a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship in the agro sector to flourish.
“The LiFE ND agribusiness innovation forum is conceived to support our beneficiaries, agriprenuers and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
“The forum will provide access to finance, market and training as well as foster collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst stakeholders.
“Our goal is to create a vibrant agricultural ecosystem in Bayelsa State driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practice.
“We believe that the platform will play a critical role in achieving this goal and contribute to the economic development of our dear state.
“The programme is also in tandem with the ASSURED agenda of the prosperity government whose priorities are sustainable agricultural services, economic development, infrastructure, human development and good governance to our people.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank our Governor, His Excellency Douye Diri for his unwavering support to this noble project.
In the same vain, we appreciate the support of our partners and stakeholders. We look forward to working together to make this platform a huge success,” he said.
On his part, Mr Clement Uwem, Rural Institute Coordinator LIFE-ND, said that the launch of LAbIF is an excellent opportunity for incubates to maximally benefit from agrobusiness.
He said that it represents a multi stakeholder platform where they have off takers. The beneficiaries of LIFE-ND will benefit and to access the opportunity that will help them maximize their productivity.
In her speech Mrs Syvia Adeneye, Coordinator Nigeria Promotion Export Council, said they are committed to build standard and to penetrate the international market and keep standard in exporting goods abroad.
She said that their target in Bayelsa, is sea food to penetrate the international market at any given time.
