Port Harcourt, March 22, 2025 – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has presented N60 million financial support to 300 rice farmers in the Niger Delta to boost rice production.
Each of the beneficiaries received starter packs worth N200,000 which were presented to them during the closing ceremony of the second batch of the NDDC-sponsored training programme.
Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, disclosed this in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday
The statement said Dr Samuel Ogbuku Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, was represented at the occasion by his Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume.
Ogbuku reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector in the region, stressing that the programme was aimed at exposing farmers to essential skills in modern rice farming techniques, processing, and agribusiness strategies.
“The scheme is designed to enable farmers to enhance rice production, establish cooperatives, and explore further partnerships with relevant agencies and financial institutions.
“We remain committed to implementing impactful agricultural empowerment initiatives to enhance food security, create jobs, and alleviate poverty in the region,” he said.
Wale Oretan, the Deputy Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, said the 300 farmers were from Abia and other states.
He said the training covered both theoretical and practical aspects of rice production, processing, and entrepreneurship.
Mrs Uzoma Ochulo, the President of the Abia Rice Farmers Association, thanked the NDDC on behalf of the beneficiaries and promised to share their knowledge with other farmers in their communities.
