The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared an immediate protest in response to the ongoing alleged misappropriation and diversion of starter packs promised under the Youth Transformation Programme (YTP), launched by the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) in 2022.
Despite the programme’s commitment to provide starter packs to 5,079 youth beneficiaries biannually (10,158 annually), as officially stated by the presidency in 2022, these promises remain unfulfilled, according to the students.
Huzaifa Ibrahim Sabo, NANS Deputy Senate President, lamented in a press statement that over two years later, the distribution has not commenced.
“Four weeks after NANS issued a 72-hour ultimatum to HYPPADEC, demanding a specific date for the disbursement of these packs, the commission has failed to respond or take definitive action.”
Ibrahim stated that the beneficiaries of the YTP have been waiting for over two years without receiving the promised starter packs, despite undergoing training and holding valid expectations.
The student body expressed concern over credible allegations of diversion and mismanagement of funds meant for the youth beneficiaries, which HYPPADEC has failed to transparently address.
They also noted that the delay undermines the youth empowerment goals outlined by the former administration and the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly in job creation and youth empowerment.
NANS therefore demands that HYPPADEC immediately and publicly announce a specific date for the distribution of the starter packs to the affected youth beneficiaries and engage more individuals interested in such training.
“The commission must uphold its promises to the beneficiaries and restore the trust it has broken over the last two years.”
They called for clarity on why the program is stagnant despite prior promises to train over 10,000 youths and empower them to start their own businesses, which is a priority of the renewed hope agenda of the President.
Going forward, they announced a peaceful protest across HYPPADEC offices, starting from its headquarters and extending to branch offices in affected states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
“The protest will commence on Thursday, 24th October 2024, and will persist until HYPPADEC provides the youth beneficiaries with the starter packs they deserve. We will not be deterred by threats or harassment and will continue to represent the interests of Nigerian youths.”
“These protests will continue to expand to draw the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the internal sabotage by certain agencies that seek to undermine his renewed hope agenda in job creation.”
“We call on Nigerian youths and students to join us in solidarity with the 5,079 YTP beneficiaries who have languished for over two years. The future of thousands of Nigerian youths depends on the success of this protest. NANS stands firm in its demand for justice, accountability, and transparency, with no room for compromise on the issue of youth empowerment,” the statement concluded.
