The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has presented start-up kits to 350 youths in Plateau as part of its Youth Transformation Programme (YTP).

The beneficiaries were earlier trained on various skills ranging from fashion designing, meat fattening, poultry and fish farming, catering services, painting, and solar installation, among others.

Speaking at the event on Tuesday in Jos, Abubakar Yelwa, the managing director of N-HYPPADEC, said beneficiaries were drawn from the four N-HYPPADEC benefiting local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

“In Plateau, we trained over 350 young people in various trades, including animal fattening, painting and POP services, poultry and fish farming.

“We also provided training in a variety of other skills, including photocopying and photo editing, solar installation and inverters, Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) installation and maintenance, cosmetology programme, fashion design and tailoring, among others.

“This array of talents and skills gives us confidence that these young people will make significant contributions to the economy of Plateau and the country at large,” he said.

Mr Yelwa said the distribution highlights the support and recognition N-HYPPADEC had received from the federal government, adding that the gesture was in tune with President Bola Tinubu’s drive to create jobs and contribute to national development.

The managing director called on the beneficiaries to put the start-up kits to good use for their benefit and that of society.

Presenting the items to the beneficiaries, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, described the N-HYPPADEC’s transformation programme as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the youth of all the hydroelectric power-producing areas.

He added that the programme had provided a platform for skill development, empowerment and transformation.

Also, George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said the programme was part of the government’s commitment to tackling poverty.

(NAN)