N-HYPPADEC distributes starter packs to over 5,000 graduates
The National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), has inaugurated the distribution of graduation starter packs to 5,079 graduates of its Youth Transformation Programme (YTP).
The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, said this at the the flag-off of the distribution of the starter packs in Minna that the programme, launched in 2022, is aimed to empower youths in power-producing areas affected by floods and displacement.
He disclosed that over 5,000 youths across six states have benefited from various skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training.
Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa gave a breakdown of beneficiaries trained according to six states such as 1,500 youths in Niger state, 500 in Benue, 1,011 in Kebbi, 650 in Kogi, 630 in Kwara and 320 in Plateau.
According to him, the youths were trained in vocational training, tailoring and fashion design, house painting, photography, plumbing, floor tiling, block moulding, and bricklaying.
Other areas were catering, hair barbing, hair stylingy auto-mechanic and auto electrical engineering.
The managing director praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the commission’s initiatives, particularly the 2023 Electricity Act which expanded its scope.
He said the commission plans to establish Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Unit to coordinate activities and incorporate advanced skills acquisition trainings for unemployed degree holders.
In his speech, Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, commended N-HYPPADEC for its corporate social responsibility initiatives in the state.
He lauded the commission’s collaboration in relocating flood-threatened communities and providing portable water in New Bussa and Bida.
Bago urged beneficiaries to persevere and utilise their skills acquired to become self-reliant and cautioned them against selling their starter packs, instead encouraging them to collaborate with Niger Foods or Bago Farm to boost food production.
“As a state government, we aims to equip over 1,000 youths with skills and vocational training, partnering with organizations like the UNDP.
In his remarks, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, commended N-HYPPADEC’s Managing Director and partners for the initiative, stating that empowered youths translate to an empowered nation.
Akume, represented by his Chief of Staff, Simon Tyungu, noted that the programme complements the administration’s efforts to engage youths in meaningful ventures, addressing social vices and unemployment.
He said Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including youth unemployment, poverty, conflict, and diseases, adding that unemployment among youths has contributed to poverty and insecurity.
He said N-HYPPADEC’s effort is commendable, as it registers beneficiaries’ business names with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), enabling them to become business owners.
Akume urged stakeholders to support N-HYPPADEC’s quest to transform and change the narratives of young Nigerians for economic growth and prosperity, adding that with collective efforts, Nigeria can drive positive change and promote socio-economic development.
Earlier, Dr Mahmoud Muhammad, Director of Community and Rural Development, N-HYPPADEC, said YTP aimed to empower youths with skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead productive lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
