Olu Samuel

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Development Commission, N-HYPADEC has distributed start up kits worth millions of naira to 705 youths trained in various Vocations in Kogi.

This is to scale up the livelihoods and self sufficiency of youths within its catchment area.

In a well attended ceremony held inside the main bowl of Muhammadu Buhari square in Lokoja on Tuesday, the Managing Director and Chief Executive officer, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa , disclosed that the beneficiaries were selected from communities under the jurisdiction of the commission.

They are from those communities who often bear the brunt of Hydroelectric Power generation that have negatively affected the ecosystem of the areas.

“The total of 705 young men and girls were trained from 2022-2023 in the fields of Computer appreciation and application, Poultry farming ; Beads making, Fashion designs and Tailoring, Cosmetology, Fisheries, others are Confectionery and curlinary services.

Also those who are trained in the art of Shoe Making, Hairdressing and graphic designs were among beneficiaries that would be equipped with wherewithal to be self reliant and independent”.

The MD hinted that aside from the distribution of starter kits to enable them practice their trades, the commission has equally registered their business names with Corporate Affairs Commission to give legal teeth to their businesses.

He said the training of these youths was a response to the prevailing economic realities that have affected their communities through flooding and other natural disasters across the jurisdiction.

The MD added that the commission plans to advance the training to include those with Higher National Diploma and Degrees who are unemployed to acquire skills that will in addition to their certificate create opportunities for self reliance and economic empowerment.

He said , the start up kits being distributed to the trained beneficiaries are not just tools but a key to economic recovery and to contribute to the economic revival of the country.

He warned them against misuse of the kits given to them, and urged for a meticulous and diligent application of the materials to add value to themselves and to those requiring their services.

According to him, ” we have a monitoring team who would work in synergy with traditional institutions to monitor and track the progress and growth of their businesses” .

He Commended the Secretary to the Federal Government for his invaluable support for the commission which has ensured the success of the programme.

While thanking Gov. Ododo for creating enabling environment for the commission to achieve its mandate, assured that the support would not be taken for granted.

In a remark, Governor Ododo applauded commission for its laudable programmes designed to take large chunk of idle youths off the street and assure of robust relationship to achieve higher goals for the youths in the state.

The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Joel Salifu Oyibo, advised the beneficiaries to leverage on the opportunity so as to be self reliant and grow their businesses to serve as trainer for the younger generation.

Earlier, the SGF , George Akume, disclosed that the government accented to the Commission’s bill in 2014 because of its potential for the upliftment of youths especially those affected by Hydroelectric power activities in riverine areas of North Central zone.