The Nigerian Government has commended the National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) for its significant strides in empowering youths in the country
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, expressed this appreciation during the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of start-up kits to graduates of the N-HYPPADEC Youth Transformation Programme (YTP) in Minna, Niger State, North Central Nigeria.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Simon Tyungu, the SGF urged stakeholders to support N-HYPPADEC’s initiatives aimed at empowering the youth population to drive economic growth and prosperity.
He stressed the importance of collective efforts in promoting positive change, aligning shared goals, and fostering social development across Nigeria.
Akume noted that, like many developing nations, Nigeria faces challenges such as youth unemployment, poverty, conflict, disease, insecurity, reliance on foreign goods, low economic growth, and urbanization.
The SGF confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is working actively to address these issues.
In his speech, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed gratitude to N-HYPPADEC for its collaborative efforts in relocating flood-threatened communities and providing potable drinking water in New Bussa, Bida, Minna, Kuta, Gusoro, and other areas.
He reminded the youth that resilience and hard work are essential to achieving success.
Governor Bago encouraged the youth not to sell their start-up kits and advised those in agriculture to partner with local farms, including Etsu Farm, Bago Farm, and Niger Foods, to strengthen their businesses.
He also called on wealthy individuals in Niger State to support youth initiatives to reduce unemployment and increase productivity.
The Governor highlighted his administration’s ambition to equip 100,000 youth in Niger State with skills in agriculture, vocational training, computer science, barbing, and other areas.
He mentioned that organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have expressed interest in collaborating to provide training and starter packs to beneficiaries.
The N-HYPPADEC Managing Director, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, disclosed that the commission has trained 5,000 youths across its six member states.
This includes over 1,500 youths in Niger State, 500 in Benue, 1,011 in Kebbi, 650 in Kogi, 620 in Kwara, and 300 in Plateau.
He noted that the numbers vary due to the differing populations of riverine communities in each state.
Yelwa listed some of the vocational training programmes offered, including tailoring, painting, photography, plumbing, bricklaying, and catering.
He credited the program’s success to the support and cooperation from the federal government, Niger State, and other stakeholders, calling for further support to sustain these achievements.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, offered prayers for the success of Governor Umaru Bago and N-HYPPADEC.
He expressed his support for all initiatives that enhance the welfare of youths in the state.
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