Edo State’s agribusiness sector is set for a boost as the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project commences training for 655 entrepreneurs.
The initiative focuses on equipping beneficiaries with the knowledge and skills needed to meet international standards in packaging, branding, and product standardization, paving the way for global market access.
Mr. John Omoruyi, the Edo Coordinator of LIFE-ND, inaugurated the training program for the Edo South Senatorial District, emphasizing the project’s ambition to elevate local enterprises to meet stringent global certification and export criteria.
Mrs. Grace Iredia, the State Agribusiness Promotion Officer, representing Mr. Omoruyi, highlighted that this training is a key component of a broader human capacity development initiative targeting 655 entrepreneurs across the state.
“This program is designed to support and empower our beneficiaries in the agribusiness sector,” Omoruyi stated. “While LIFE-ND has been actively training entrepreneurs since 2021, the emphasis now is on upscaling their businesses to align with export standards and certification requirements.”
The training curriculum is specifically tailored to address critical aspects such as measurement standards, product standardization, packaging techniques, and effective branding strategies. This comprehensive approach aims to facilitate a seamless transition for participants from local markets to the more demanding international arena.
To ensure participants gain a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements, officials from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria are actively involved in the training. Their expertise will guide beneficiaries through the intricacies of certification procedures, compliance protocols, and export regulations.
The initial phase of the training will benefit 60 incubatees, with 20 participants selected from each of the three senatorial districts in Edo State. The focus value chains vary by district, with Edo South concentrating on cassava, fish, and poultry, while Edo Central will emphasize cassava and poultry.
Edo North will receive training in cassava, poultry, and rice value chains. Mr. Omoruyi assured that the training program would be replicated across all districts to ensure widespread impact.
Mr. Omoruyi underscored the transformative potential of the program, stating that it is designed to significantly improve the livelihoods and income of participating entrepreneurs. He described the initiative as a strategic move to enhance the competitiveness of products originating from Edo State in the global marketplace.
“The acquired knowledge will empower them to package products like rice, frozen poultry, and processed fish to meet the rigorous demands of export markets,” he added.
He further revealed that LIFE-ND has already positively impacted 4,337 individuals in previous phases. An additional 665 entrepreneurs are receiving support under the current financial cycle.
“Edo State is taking the lead among the six states supported by this activity, and we anticipate that others will follow our example,” Omoruyi concluded.
The active participation of NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria ensures that participants receive the necessary guidance on regulatory compliance, certification processes, and product standardization, guaranteeing that their products meet both national and international quality benchmarks.
