The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has lauded the National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) for distributing start-up kits to 1,011 graduates in Kebbi.
He stated this at the flagg-off of the distribution of starter packs to the graduates of N-HYPPADEC Youth Transformation Programme (YTP) held at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
Gov. Idris, who was represented by the Kebbi State Head of Civil Service (HoS), Alhaji Malami Muhammad-Shekari, said the gesture would certainly make life better for the state’s teeming youths.
He observed that the N-HYPPADEC transformation had been a beacon of hope and opportunity for the teeming unemployed youths in the state.
The governor noted that the transformative programme was in line with the state government’s resolve to partner with different agencies to engage the youths towards a prosperous Kebbi State.
Gov. Idris urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity to transform their lives, their immediate families and those around them.
In his speech, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, who was represented by a Director in his office, underscored the commitment of the presidency to the mission and vision of N-HYPPADEC.
The SGF commended the commission for making waves due to the level of resounding success it has recorded since inception, saying that similar project had been launched in Niger, Kwara, Kogi and Plateau States with a view to making youths self-sufficient.
“As we are all aware, we are here once again to witness yet another life-changing event that promises to change the lives of the beneficiaries of the Youth Transformation Programme (YTP) and by extension, that of their families, considering that they will attain the status of self-reliance and financial independence after today.
“Today’s programme will see to the distribution of start-up kits with relevant equipment to the 1011 graduates of the YTP who have been equipped with various vocational skills to become self-reliant and boost socio-economic activities across the length and breadth of Kebbi State, and by extension, Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, this couldn’t have been achieved without the foresight of N-HYPPADEC and her partners who have been working tirelessly towards changing the narrative of the inhabitants of the HYPPADEC States.
Earlier, the Managing Director, N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, observed that in the current challenging economic times, gathering for the sole purpose of youth empowerment demonstrated the commitment of the federal government under President Bola Tinubu to creating sustainable opportunities for the youths.
He said the project wouldn’t have seen the light of the day without the unqualified support the commission had been enjoying from Kebbi State Government under the leadership His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu.
Sadiq-Yelwa said: “Today in Kebbi State, we celebrate the successful
training of 1,011youths, each representing a story of transformation and hope.
“In the technology sector, which is crucial for our digital economy, we have trained 343 youths, 162 in Computer Appreciation and 181 in Website Design. This digital skills acquisition is particularly vital as we position our youths to compete in the global digital marketplace.
“The fashion and beauty industry, a sector with immense potential for
quick returns and economic independence, now has 258 new skilled entrepreneurs in Kebbi State, 185 in Fashion Design and Tailoring, 60 in Cosmetology and 13 in Bag and Shoe Making. These skills offer immediate pathways
to economic self-reliance,” he observed.
