By Awwal Umar Kontagora The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) recently inspected the uncomp...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) recently inspected the uncompleted irrigation dam in the Gure and Yashikira Districts of Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State. This visit aligns with the Commission's commitment to fostering community development through strategic partnerships.
The inspection, initiated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was led by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, alongside the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, FCNA, FNIS, FNIM. The exercise is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision to enhance cooperation between government institutions to advance development initiatives.
During the visit, the team assessed the irrigation scheme and erosion control sites in Baruten Local Government to evaluate the condition and capacity of the dams. The goal was to engage relevant stakeholders in addressing existing challenges and to ensure that the facilities are fully operational.
The team also paid courtesy visits to the Emirs of Okuta, Elesha Baruna, and Yashikira to consult and collaborate with traditional institutions on the way forward.
Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim expressed concern over Baruten Local Government's numerous challenges. She stated that, at the President's directive through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, she invited the N-HYPPADEC management to explore potential interventions in electricity supply, youth empowerment, water provision, and agriculture, among other areas.
She emphasized that Baruten Local Government is a hydroelectric power-producing area and has Nigeria's longest land border with the Republic of Benin. Her Ministry, she assured, will continue to implement President Bola Tinubu's youth-focused policies and programs to improve the lives of Nigerian youth.
Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, reiterated the importance of the needs assessment exercise and the Commission's role in promoting the socio-economic development of areas impacted by hydroelectric power production.
"We are committed to fulfilling our mandate of promoting the sustainable development of communities affected by hydroelectric power production. This needs assessment exercise is crucial for identifying the specific needs and priorities of the people in Gure District and other similar areas, so we can provide targeted interventions," he said.
He added that the N-HYPPADEC management team would collaborate with relevant government agencies and development partners to mobilize resources and implement strategies aimed at improving the living standards of the affected communities.
The N-HYPPADEC Managing Director expressed his gratitude to the traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of the Gure District for their cooperation during the inspection. He assured them of the Commission's commitment to promoting their well-being and sustainable development.
During the visit, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development also commissioned a block of classrooms, an office, and VIP toilets constructed by N-HYPPADEC at Makarakpo in Okuta District, Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State. The project, received with jubilation by the community, is one of 117 similar initiatives undertaken by the Commission across the six N-HYPPADEC pioneer states to enhance access to quality education.
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