The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said it is collaborating with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to boost food production in the Niger Delta.

Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Akwagaga Enyia who disclosed this during a meeting with IFAD officials at the Commission’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt said that the current NDDC management was targeting food sufficiency and employment creation in the area.

“We believe that this partnership between IFAD and NDDC will enhance the productivity of farmers and women for the alleviation of poverty from the region.

“NDDC is willing and prepared to partner with IFAD to improve food productivity, employment opportunity for women and youths,” she assured.

The Managing Director expressed optimism that such collaboration between NDDC and IFAD would create employment and reduce poverty in the region.

In her remarks, the Country Director of IFAD, Mrs. Niddine Gnossa, said IFAD recently decided to extend its programmes to the southern part of Nigeria because most of their activities had taken place in the Northern part of the country for a long time.

“We understand that this programme will be important to farmers in the Niger Delta, and as such we are committed to having this programme start as soon as possible.” She added

Gnossa who stressed that IFAD was committed to creating opportunities for the youths and farmers commended NDDC for its willingness to work with IFAD in order to boost food security and create employment opportunities in the Niger Delta and the country at large.

SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA