From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue youths who benefited from the youth transformation programme under the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) have been assured of receiving their starter packs before the end of August 2024.
Managing Director of the commission, Abubakar Yelwa, gave the assurance in Makurdi during a meeting with stakeholders to brief them on the programme’s progress.
Yelwa, who was represented by the Director of Engineering and Technical Services, Dr Tertsegha Ipilakyaa, said the beneficiaries, who undertook skill acquisition training in their areas of interest for three to six months, would be formally graduated before receiving their starter packs to commence their businesses.
He explained that the commission is assisting the beneficiaries in registering their businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission and challenged youths to take advantage of the programme, which will be sustained.
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Speaking during the meeting, the state Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity, Terkimbi Ikyange, commended N-HYPPADEC for the initiative in shaping the future of young people in Benue.
Ikyange assured the commission of the state government’s partnership to make the youths self-reliant and charged beneficiaries to remain focused on their productive skills and refrain from social vices.
The commission’s Head of Community Development Division, Dr Ibrahim Babangida, and the Coordinator of N-HYPPADEC in Benue State, Mrs Magdalene Jam-Ayu, said the commission was well-equipped to make the youths productive.
One of the master trainers, Charles Shabu, commended the programme, saying many beneficiaries who trained under him finished last year and were anxiously awaiting the starter packs to launch their businesses.
He urged the commission to match words with action to enable the youth to utilise their newly acquired skills.