The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, N-HYPPADEC, has intensified efforts to improve the welfare and livelihoods of host communities in Gombe State, through a series of engagements and interventions.
The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Mr. Abubakar Yelwa, said the visit to Gombe was part of the Commission’s engagement tour of newly admitted member states, following approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2023.
Mr. Yelwa, who began the tour with a visit to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, reaffirmed the commission’s mandate to mitigate ecological damage arising from hydroelectric power operations and to promote sustainable development in host communities.
He explained that Gombe State was admitted into the Commission because it hosts the Dadin Kowa Hydropower Dam.
Mr. Yelwa listed several interventions already carried out in the state, including the supply of 1,100 life jackets, the provision of an operational flying boat to Kupto Community, installation of solar streetlights, construction of solar-powered boreholes, desilting of drainages, construction of classrooms, and support for indigent students through the payment of National Examination Council, NECO, fees.
The Managing Director stressed the need for stronger collaboration with the state government, particularly in the areas of flood mitigation, education and health infrastructure, youth employment and the strategic establishment of Area Offices.
He also commended the Gombe State Government for supporting the establishment of the Commission’s State Office, describing it as a clear demonstration of commitment to the welfare of affected communities.
The Gombe State Government, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to partner with N-HYPPADEC to improve the welfare and livelihoods of residents.
Dr. Jatau praised the Commission for living up to the objectives of its establishment, noting that unlike many organisations that focus largely on internal development, N-HYPPADEC has prioritised interventions that directly impact people’s daily lives.
While expressing appreciation for the Commission’s interventions in the state, including streetlights, life jackets for riverine communities and payment of NECO fees, the Deputy Governor also welcomed the promised delivery of a 33-seater boat.
Safety facilities
He gave the Commission the assurances of the state government’s support through public enlightenment, particularly on the proper use of life jackets and other safety facilities, while appealing for wider coverage of N-HYPPADEC’s activities across all 11 local government areas of the state.
Dr. Jatau further pledged the state’s technical support and local knowledge to assist the Commission in siting offices in areas most affected by hydroelectric dam operations to ensure effective and sustainable interventions.
He said the Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya administration had established the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park to create employment opportunities for youths, noting that the initiative aligned with N-HYPPADEC’s focus on socio-economic development.
The delegation also visited Nafada, where the Emir of Nafada, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Dadum Hamza, described N-HYPPADEC as the headquarters of rural development in Nigeria, citing the scale and impact of its interventions across communities.
He commended the projects executed in Nafada and ranked N-HYPPADEC first, second and third on the scale of productivity among development agencies operating in the area.