The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is empowering over 25,500 youths and women in agricultural entrepreneurship across the Niger Delta states. During a technical session on Group Savings and Loan and Record/Bookkeeping in Owerri, Imo State, National Project Coordinator Dr. Abiodun Sanni shared that the initiative, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aims to enhance self-reliance and sustainability in agriculture.

Participants from the six Niger Delta states, including Abia, Bayelsa, Ondo, Cross River, Edo, and Delta, will access a $60 million loan over two phases. Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states joined the project in 2024, expanding its reach to nine states. The training will focus on various commodities like cassava, plantain, fish, rice, cocoa, oil palm, and poultry, covering production, processing, and marketing.

Additionally, the program emphasizes record-keeping and documentation skills to ensure participants can effectively manage their enterprises. National Financial Inclusion Specialist Obiageli Ekwelie noted that participants will receive training tailored to specific commodities and will learn to operate successful businesses with startup capital, enhancing their saving habits and credit ratings.