Niger Delta
Edo Pays N147m Counterpart Fund In FG’s Intervention Project
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has paid the counterpart fund of N147 million for the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project for the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND).
The State Project Coordinator, Mr John Omoruyi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Benin on Monday.
The Tide’s source reports that LIFE-ND is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in collaboration with the Federal Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The LIFE-ND directly supports Nigeria’s agricultural policy and the strategic framework for youth employment and job creation.
The project is currently being implemented in the Niger Delta states of Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Ondo.
Omoruyi explained that the amount, meant to create wealth, sustainable jobs, and ensure food security in the participating states, covered the years 2022 to 2024.
He added that the payment of the N147 million counterpart fund would enable the state to access funds for the ongoing transformation of the rural economy via agribusiness.
According to him, Obaseki has done well to restate his commitment to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector by promoting modern farming techniques, supporting smallholders, encouraging value addition and fostering agribusiness innovations.
“Furthermore, this feat by the Obaseki administration will not only contribute to economic growth but also enhance food security, reduce poverty and empower rural communities in the state.
“This is in addition to boosting agricultural productivity and value addition across four commodities – rice, cassava, poultry and fishery value chains”, he said.
According to Omoruyi, LIFE-ND in Edo has created jobs for 2,348 women and youth enterprises out of the targeted 4,250.
He said this was across the participating 10 local government areas and 100 communities across the state.
He disclosed the release of the counterpart fund would further create employment for more than 2,500 women and youths targeted for 2024.
The state project coordinator also disclosed that the National Project Coordinator (NPC), LIFE-ND, Mr Sanni Abiodun, had commended the governor for the prompt payment of the fund.
Abiodun acknowledged the Edo Government as the first in the country to pay the counterpart fund up to date, urging other participating states to emulate Edo State.
“This is in line with the consistent desire of the federal and state governments of Nigeria and IFAD to attain sustainable job and wealth creation as well as ensure food security in Nigeria”, he said.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.
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