The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, on Thursday, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to the socio-economic growth of the country.
Akume stated this during the distribution of start-up kits to 689 graduates of the National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission youth transformation programme in Benue State.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Simeon Tyungu, the SGF highlighted various government initiatives, including the N-HYPPADEC youth vocational training programme, which he described as life-changing and aimed at benefitting 5,000 participants across the six pioneer states.
He explained that the programme had its grand launch in Minna, Niger State, last Saturday with the distribution of 365 start-up kits to graduates, followed by a similar distribution in Jos, Plateau State, on Tuesday this week.
He said, “Let me assure you that this administration will leave no stone unturned in supporting N-HYPPADEC in the discharge of its functions, which are mainly targeted at our nation’s advancement, recognising that it aligns with our commitment to the socio-economic growth and all-round development of our beloved Nigeria.”
He also urged N-HYPPADEC to intensify its efforts in lifting the nation out of poverty and empowering the youth, which would contribute to a stronger nation.
The State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, also praised the federal government’s initiative, which he said is designed to take youths off the streets. Represented by his Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, he encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the kits, which he said would mark the beginning of a new phase in their lives.
In his address, N-HYPPADEC Managing Director Abubakar Yelwa noted that the 689 youths were trained across 29 different vocational areas.
He listed the vocational areas as including Fashion Design/Tailoring with 129 trainees, Fish Farming with 125 participants, and Poultry Farming with 84 beneficiaries.
“We have also ventured into modern technological fields such as Computer Software and Web Design, CCTV Installation, and Phone Repairs, preparing our youth for the digital economy,” he added.
The MD stated that the training programme was developed to support communities affected by recurrent flooding, which has left many youths vulnerable and prone to poverty, violent crime, and other forms of social delinquency
