Nwifuru Backs Expansion of IFAD Agricultural Projects Across Ebonyi

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru

From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has agreed to scale up the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-supported Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) to address the agricultural and agro-allied needs of more communities across the state.

The proposed expansion is expected to deepen rural transformation, strengthen agricultural development and extend the benefits of the programme to additional local government areas in line with the governor’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda.

Governor Nwifuru gave the indication on Thursday when he received a delegation of the IFAD team, led by its Country Director, Mohammed El-Ghazaly, at his office in Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki, the state capital.

The governor expressed appreciation to IFAD for its continued support for Ebonyi State and commended the organisation for its commitment to sustaining the programme in the state.

He assured the delegation that the remaining local government areas presented during an earlier engagement would be considered for inclusion in the project to ensure that more people benefited from its interventions.

“We thank you for believing in us and for agreeing to stay in Ebonyi State. I am sure the remaining local governments, as presented yesterday, will be included to benefit from the project,” Nwifuru said.
He described the programme as consistent with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda, noting that its objectives aligned with the state government’s development priorities.
“Let me thank IFAD for this project. This project is centred on the People’s Charter of Needs agenda. I have seen your project, and it gives me great confidence in your ability,” he said.

Nwifuru also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support for the state, describing the intervention as a significant gesture towards advancing agricultural development in Ebonyi.

He further commended the IFAD mission for its foresight and commitment to the state, reiterating his administration’s determination to promote agriculture as a key driver of rural development and economic growth.

The governor emphasised the importance of sustaining partnerships that would improve agricultural productivity, strengthen rural livelihoods and expand economic opportunities for residents, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on farming and related activities.

Earlier, the IFAD Country Director, Mohammed El-Ghazaly, said the delegation was in Ebonyi to assess the progress made under the Value Chain Development Programme and review preparations for its completion.

“We are here to look at the progress that is being made by the VCDP,” El-Ghazaly said.

He explained that the team was also assessing the remaining activities under the programme, which was scheduled to close in December.

“We are also here to look at how the project will be completed in a few months’ time, as we will be closing in December,” he added.

El-Ghazaly noted that the programme was designed to promote development through agricultural value chains and acknowledged the Ebonyi State Government’s interest in expanding its reach.

He said the state’s desire to scale up the programme reflected its commitment to agricultural development, while expressing appreciation to the governor for releasing counterpart funds to support its implementation.

“As you know, the project is being implemented for development, and we know Ebonyi State will like to scale up the project. We thank you for the counterpart funds you have so far released. We thank you so much,” the IFAD country director stated.

The proposed expansion is expected to provide an opportunity for more communities to benefit from the programme, subject to the agreed implementation arrangements and the inclusion of additional local government areas.