A Hydroelectric power producing areas development commission (HYPPADEC), have set machinery in motion to train over 350 Plateau State youths in 36 critical skills acquisition areas.
The commission said the aim of the training is to change the narrative of unemployment ravaging the youths and improve their socio-economic wellbeing for them to contribute towards the development of Plateau and Nigeria.
Speaking during the official take off of the training tagged ” HYPPADEC Youth transformation programme in Plateau State at Government House Little Rayfield, Jos, Governor Simon Lalong said, “the flagoff of the programme is the conservation of our determination for young people through community development, by engaging both public and private sector to take our youths off the streets and possibly engaged them.”
He revealed that “it is on record that our administration through collective efforts has created jobs opportunities to Nigerians. But we know more can be achieved within the limited time.”
Governor Lalong who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the state, Professor Danladi Atu hinted that the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA), has concluded plans to trained 10,000 youths in welding and fabrication, tailoring, saloon, catering, amongst others before the exit of their administration.
The managing director of HYPPADEC, Abubakar Sadiq revealed that the is for 3 months depending on what the beneficiaries want to learn noting that after the programme the commission will support them with something so that they start on their own and tutor other people.
According to him, “if HYPPADEC will address Youth unemployment in HYPPADEC producing state we have achieved our mandate.
“The commission have come with different approach of putting a smile in the faces of communities. 56 local Government Areas within the 6 states of HYPPADEC enjoyed free medical outreach.”
Member of HYPPADEC governing council representing Plateau State, prof. Saleh Mohammed said they immediately key into stakeholders engagement and engaged communities on the needs assessment.
He acknowledged that the commission have since started taking action on some of the problems identified in the communities such as; portable drinking water by sinking solar power boreholes across the HYPPADEC States.
The director of community and research development, Dr. Mahmud Muhammad stated that the commission already trained 6,000 youths as well registered NECO and WAEC.
On her part, the HYPPADEC technical partner on new approach, Dr. Lilian Omeka’ra charged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the programme and make a better future.
