By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise for the Niger Delta, LIFE-ND, Project has made a significant impact in Cross River State, generating about 4,370 direct jobs.
The project has also generated a staggering N5,547,532,882 in gross income from its various agricultural value chains.
The coordinator of the project in the state, Dr. Innocent Ogbin, dropped this hint during the 2026 Media Roundtable discussion at Enterprise Development Centre, EDC, Prof. Eyo Ita’s House, Calabar on Saturday.
Ogbin said the project’s focus on agriculture is no coincidence, as it’s the backbone of Cross River State economy.
The coordinator averred that the LIFE-ND Project is all about strengthening agricultural value chains and promoting market-oriented family enterprises.
He stated that the project has created 4,370 direct jobs, with over 2,009 positions held by females and 398 by female-headed households.
He said, “It’s not just about the numbers, the project is also committed to inclusivity.”
He stressed that about 196 persons living with disabilities, PLWDs, have been integrated into the workforce.
He added, “Where’s the money coming from? Rice value chain is leading the change, generating over N2.5 billion, followed by fish value chain with approximately N1.26 billion and poultry production with N922.7 million in gross income.”
The state coordinator further stated that in order to boost economic gains, the project invested heavily in rural infrastructure, including 27.7-kilonetre of earth roads, development of 1,102 hectares of agricultural land and establishment or rehabilitation of 27 rural markets and processing facilities.
He stressed that the project isn’t resting on its laurels, adding that the project is gearing up for its additional financing phase, aiming to create an additional 3,626 jobs and support 2,996 new beneficiaries with Business Development Services, BDS.
In his remarks, the state Knowledge and Communications Management Officer, Christian Ekpor, emphasised on sustainability of the project, stressing that sustainability is key.
He said, “The project’s focus is on creating lasting impact and it’s engaging with stakeholders to ensure that’s exactly what happens.”
