The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has recently demonstrated its commitment to youth empowerment in Kwara State by providing vocational kits to 689 graduates through its Youth Transformation Programme. This initiative aims to address the pressing issues of unemployment and economic challenges that youth face amid ongoing structural reforms in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Mallam Abubakar Yelwa, emphasized the importance of this program during the distribution event held in Ilorin, highlighting that the vocational training spanned three to six months across various skill sets.
Yelwa elaborated that the graduates, drawn from all sixteen local government areas of Kwara State, received training in 32 different vocational fields, including fashion design, various types of farming, culinary services, computer maintenance, solar installation, plumbing, and metal fabrication. This diverse range not only equips the graduates with essential skills but also provides them with the necessary tools to navigate the current economic landscape effectively. The managing director noted that these young individuals had made commitments, supported by their families and traditional institutions, pledging that they would utilize the start-up kits responsibly rather than sell them.
Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in creating youth empowerment programs that would mitigate social vices caused by unemployment and discontent among the youth. He called on various government agencies and citizens to initiate similar initiatives to complement the government’s efforts in addressing the pervasive issue of unemployment. Represented by a director from his office, Simeon Negbu, Akume expressed that the government supports such interventions and will strive to assist N-HYPPADEC in fulfilling its mandates for the betterment of Nigerian citizens.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Prof Mamman Jibril, acknowledged the transformative potential of the vocational program. He indicated that it provides a significant relief from youth unemployment and will contribute to the overall socio-economic growth of the state. He praised N-HYPPADEC’s efforts, stating that similar initiatives are being implemented across the commission’s six member states, including Niger, Kogi, Kebbi, Benue, and Plateau. The governor highlighted the Federal Government’s increasing commitment to youth empowerment, which benefits not only individual graduates but also the broader community.
AbdulRazaq provided sound advice to the graduates, urging them to make effective use of the vocational kits and to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit. He encouraged them to create wealth and become self-reliant, reminding them that their success could set a precedent for their peers in future empowerment programs. The governor’s message reinforced the notion that the graduates’ achievements will be pivotal in showcasing the effectiveness of such initiatives, ultimately opening doors for more youth from Kwara State to receive similar opportunities.
In conclusion, the distribution of vocational kits to 689 graduates in Kwara State is a significant step in addressing the issues of unemployment among the youth, especially in light of the ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria. Initiatives like those implemented by N-HYPPADEC not only provide essential skills and tools but also foster a sense of responsibility and community obligation among the beneficiaries. By equipping the youth with practical skills, these programs hold the potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of the region, creating a path toward self-reliance and reduced dependency on government support. The collaboration between various stakeholders, as highlighted by Senator Akume and Governor AbdulRazaq, underscores the importance of a united approach to tackling youth unemployment and its associated challenges in Nigeria.
