The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) is intensifying its efforts to combat poverty and unemployment among youth in Nigeria’s power-producing areas. The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, recently highlighted the Commission’s commitment to empowering youths through job creation and skill acquisition initiatives during an event held in Minna, Niger State.
At the event, starter packs were distributed to 1,500 graduates of the Youth Transformation Programme (YTP), a flagship initiative designed to tackle the economic challenges affecting communities in hydroelectric power-producing regions. Yelwa emphasized that the program, now an annual event, aims to curb widespread poverty and unemployment in the region.
“This youth empowerment and job creation initiative addresses the critical need for economic growth in the power-producing areas. Through YTP, we aim to transform lives by equipping youths with the necessary skills to improve their livelihoods,” Yelwa stated.
He also thanked Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his steadfast support, noting the governor’s role in facilitating N-HYPPADEC’s initiatives across the state and other member regions. The Commission has trained over 5,000 youths across six states, with varying participation to meet the unique needs of each riverine community.
Governor Bago, addressing the beneficiaries, announced plans for the state government to train an additional 100,000 youths and urged participants to leverage the empowerment initiatives for sustainable economic growth. He advised beneficiaries to retain and utilize the equipment provided, highlighting the potential of these tools to improve their quality of life.
With ongoing skill development programs, N-HYPPADEC continues to drive socioeconomic transformation, providing crucial support to young people across Nigeria’s power-producing regions.
