From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), on Thursday, flagged off its Skills Acquisition Scheme for 600 Kogi Youths drawn from its nine focal local government areas in the state.
Benefiting youths will be trained on 36 trade areas with focus on vocational/technical, domestic and agricultural enterprises.
The transformation Programme which is aimed at reducing unemployment in Nigeria is designed to cover 70% youths, 20% women and 10% physically challenged in the society.
Governor Yahaya Bello while performing the ceremony at the Government House, Lokoja on Thursday, described the programme as well thought initiatives that covers the whole ladder of human existence.
Bello who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja commended the federal government for giving live to HYPPADEC after many years of neglect.
According to the Governor “I wish to note with all humility that HYPPADEC became more effective with special recognition under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led by President Muhammadu Buhari. I also wish to commend the commission for its transparency and accountability as well as redeeming its promises to Kogi”
He pledged logistics support for the success of the programme and urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the rare opportunity.
In his keynote address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of HYPPADEC, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, disclosed that the programme was organised by his organisation with the support of the New Approach as part of its efforts to ensure that unemployed youths across the country becomes self-reliant.
The MD/CEO said “HYPPADEC will ensure that beneficiaries after the training are certificated to enable them use the document to access loan facilities to grow on their various trades. We will not as well fail in ensuring prompt payment of your monthly stipends. We will equally support you financially at our own level after your training”
The State Coordinator of HYPPADEC, Lee Atibee Aherijir had earlier in his welcome address assured that his organisation will not relent in its vision and mission to harness the resources of members states for sustainable development that would impact positively on the lives of citizens.
The Ata’Igala and President of Kogi State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Matthew Alji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa in his good will message, lauded government’s efforts on human development such as empowerment of the youths, women and the physically challenged in Nigeria.
He drummed the support of royal fathers in Kogi towards uplifting the living condition of the people with an assurance that they will mobilize their subjects to embrace the skills acquisition programmes made available to them.