The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s dedication to Nigeria’s socio-economic development during a ceremony in Benue State on Thursday.
The event marked the distribution of start-up kits to 689 graduates of the National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) youth transformation program.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Simeon Tyungu, Akume underscored the impact of various government initiatives, including the N-HYPPADEC youth vocational training program, which he described as transformative.
This initiative aims to benefit 5,000 participants across six states, with recent launches in Minna, Niger State, and Jos, Plateau State, where over 700 start-up kits were distributed earlier this week.
“Let me assure you that this administration will leave no stone unturned in supporting N-HYPPADEC in the discharge of its functions,” Akume emphasized, adding that the initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and overall development.
Akume called on N-HYPPADEC to intensify efforts to lift the nation out of poverty and empower the youth, which he said will help strengthen Nigeria.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia praised the federal government’s efforts, describing the initiative as a way to provide new opportunities for youth.
Represented by Deputy Governor Sam Ode, Alia encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the kits to begin a productive new chapter in their lives.
N-HYPPADEC Managing Director Abubakar Yelwa highlighted that the 689 participants were trained in 29 vocational skills, ranging from Fashion Design/Tailoring with 129 trainees to Fish Farming with 125 and Poultry Farming with 84 participants.
The program also ventured into modern fields like Computer Software and Web Design, CCTV Installation, and Phone Repairs to equip youth for the digital economy.
Yelwa noted that the program supports communities affected by frequent flooding, which has left many youths vulnerable to poverty and social challenges.
He stated that the training aims to provide sustainable livelihoods and reduce the risks of crime and delinquency among young people in these areas
