The National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has inaugurated the distribution of starter packs to 5,079 graduates of its Youth Transformation Programme (YTP).

Abubakar Yelwa, its managing director, announced this at the inauguration of the exercise in Minna on Saturday.

He said the programme, launched in 2022, aimed to empower youths in power-producing areas affected by floods and displacement.

Mr Yelwa said more than 5,000 youths across six states had benefited from various skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training.

He said 1,500 youths had been trained in Niger, 500 in Benue, 1,011 in Kebbi, 650 in Kogi, 630 in Kwara and 320 in Plateau.

According to him, the youths were trained in vocational training, tailoring and fashion design, house painting, photography, plumbing, floor tiling, block moulding and bricklaying.

Other areas included catering, hair barbing, hair styling, auto-mechanic and auto-electrical engineering.

Mr Yelwa appreciated President Bola Tinubu for supporting the commission’s initiatives, particularly the 2023 Electricity Act which expanded its scope.

He said the commission planned to establish an entrepreneurship and empowerment unit to coordinate activities and incorporate advanced skills acquisition training for unemployed degree holders.

In his speech, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger commended N-HYPPADEC for its corporate social responsibility initiatives in the state.

He lauded the commission’s collaboration in relocating flood-threatened communities and providing portable water in New Bussa and Bida.

Mr Bago urged beneficiaries to persevere and utilise the acquired skills to become self-reliant and cautioned them against selling their starter packs.

He urged them to collaborate with Niger Foods or Bago Farm to boost food production and ensure food security in the state and the country at large.

“As a state government, we aim to equip 1,000 youths with skills and vocational training, partnering with organisations like the UNDP,” he said.

Earlier, Mahmoud Muhammad, Director of Community and Rural Development, N-HYPPADEC, said YTP aimed to empower youths with skills.

In his remarks, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, commended N-HYPPADEC for its Youth transformation programme, which has empowered over 5,000 graduates.

(NAN)