By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, N-HYPPADEC, has distributed start up kits to 1,011 graduates in Kebbi State, under its Youths Transformation Programme, YTP, to engage in profitable business ventures for economic prosperity and self reliance.
The beneficiaries have received skills acquisition training in various trades and professional entrepreneurship from the Commission in collaboration with the National Directorate for Employment, NDE.
The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, Katukan Yauri, announced this at the distribution of the kits in Birnin Kebbi, today.
He remarked that the programme was another important landmark in the commitment of the Commission to youth empowerment and economic transformation.
"In this challenging economic period, the scheme demonstrates the commitment of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards creating sustainable opportunities for our Youths",
"It underscores the determination of President Tinubu to the mission and vision of N-HYPPADEC",
"The challenges Nigeria is facing include inflation and unemployment which make youths empowerment not just a policy choice but also economic imperative",
"N-HYPPADEC has successfully trained 1,011 youths; in our technology sector crucial for digital economy, 343 youths were trained, 162 in Computer Appreciation, 181 in website design",
"Digital skills acquisition is vital as we position youths to compete in global digital marketplace", Yelwa said.
The MD described fashion and beauty industry as a sector with immense potential for immediate returns and economic independence.
"We now have 258 new skilled entrepreneurs in Kebbi State; 185 in fashion design and tailoring, 60 in cosmetology, 13 in bags and shoes making, for quick path to economic self reliance",
"In recognition of the crucial role of agriculture in economic diversification strategy, we have equipped 318 youths with agricultural and food services skills; 92 in fish farming, 87 in catering services",
"Focus on agriculture aligns perfectly well with the food security goals of incumbent administrations at state and federal levels",
"In technical and construction trades, 70 youths received training across specifications including electrical installation, plumbing, furniture making and painting while 22 youths were equipped with skills in mechanics, entertainment and printing, Yelwa added.
The N-HYPPADEC boss reminded the beneficiaries about the bond signed by their parents not to sell the materials provided to them, warning that monitoring mechanism is in place to ensuring compliance and achieving the target objective of the programme.
Distributing the starter packs, Governor Nasir Idris, commended N-HYPPADEC of empowering youths towards economic independence and self reliance.
Represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Muhammad Malami Shekare, the governor announced that his administration would roll out more economic empowerment programmes to uplift the living standard of the citizens, especially youths.
In a goodwill message, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. George Akume represented by Alhaji Aliyu Suleiman Mashegu, recalled that N-HYPPADEC has previously implemented such scheme in Plateau, Kogi, Kwara and now Kebbi with resounding results of economic prosperity.
"The Federal Government will continue to adddres youths empowerment and development through agencies like the NDE, N-HYPPADEC, SMEDAN, and ITF, to checkmate youths restiveness for a safer society", Akume remarked.
Other goodwill messages were delivered by the representative of Traditional Rulers, the Waziri of Gwandu, Alhaji ABDULLAHI Umar, and the Vice Chairman, Birnin Kebbi Local Government, Faruq Zaki, who represented ALGON.
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