National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has distributed start-up kits to 350 graduates of its Youth Transformation Programme (YTP) toward self-reliance and financial independence in Plateau State.
At the flag-off ceremony in Rayfield New Government House, Jos, the secretary to the government of the gederation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said equipping and training the youths in various vocational skills would enable them to become self-sufficient and boost the socio-economic activities of the state.
The SGF who was represented by a director in his office, Mr. Simon Tyungu, commended N-HYPPADEC, its partners and the Plateau State government for training the participants and ensuring that the beneficiaries were business owners registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
He called on other agencies and well-meaning Nigerians to borrow a leaf from this patriotic endeavour while assuring that the federal government will do everything within the ambit of the law to support N-HYPPADEC toward discharging its interventional role for the benefit of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the state who was represented by his deputy Ngo Josephine Piyo in his remarks said the N-HYPPADEC Youth Transformation Programme has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for the youth and has provided a platform for skill development, empowerment, and transformation.
According to him, they are not just handing out tools and equipment; they are handing out the keys to a brighter future, self-reliance, and success with a commitment to improve their living standards and their communities.
“You have undergone training, acquired new skills, and prepared yourselves for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Today marks a significant milestone in your journey toward economic independence and self-sufficiency.’’
He argued that the start-up kits that they have received are not just material possessions; they are symbols of empowerment and potential stressing that they are the tools that will enable them to start their businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the growth and development of the nation.
The managing director of N-HYPADEC, Abubakar Yelwa, who gave the breakdown of the trainees, said the commission trained 19 youths in animal fattening, 3 in painting and POP services, 43 in poultry farming, and 28 in fish farming.
According to him four trainees learned photocopying and photo editing, nine focused on solar installation and inverters, two on CCTV installation maintenance, adding that their cosmetology programme trained 17 youths, while fashion design and tailoring reached out to 74 trainees.
He pointed out that in hairdressing, eight persons were trained, alongside six in barbing salon services and eight in event management and decoration. Seven trainees were taught bag and shoe making, 10 in printing and graphic design and 21 in furniture and cabinet making.
Yelwa further said that 47 participants completed their computer application course, 17 were trained in irrigation farming and crop production, six in metal and aluminum fabrication and eight in electrical installation and maintenance.
The managing director added that their catering and culinary services programme enrolled 28 trainees stressing that this diverse array of talents and skills gives them confidence that these young people will make significant contributions to the economy of Plateau State and the country at large.
