- As Commission Harps on Dredging Rivers Benue, Niger
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom is hopeful that the inauguration of Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, HYPPADEC will help address ecological challenges in states under its coverage, Benue inclusive.
Governor Ortom stated this Monday October 25th, 2021 while declaring open, a one day stakeholders meeting on the dissemination of report on the outcome of the Needs Assessment Exercise, conducted by the Commission and her Development and Technical Partner, The New Approach.
The Governor who acknowledged the contributions of the Chairman of HYPPADEC board, Hon. Joseph Terfa Tyav to the development of the Commission, described the stakeholders meeting as apt as it would provide solutions to the ecological challenges being faced by the people.
Managing Director of HYPPADEC, Abubakar Yelwa in his remarks, urged National and State Assembly members from states through which Rivers Benue and Niger traverse to seriously push for dredging of the rivers to curtail the menace of flooding and its associated challenges.
He stated that the Commission intends to train ten youths each from the 37 council wards of the seven local government areas from Benue to benefit from HYPPADEC interventions.
According to the HYPPADEC helmsman, those selected would be paid stipends while in training which ranges from two to six months.
He stated that the training is billed to commence in December 2021, pointing out that upon completion, the trainees will be given startup support.
He also said the Commission will donate 37 motorcycles to each council ward as well as open a HYPPADEC State office in Makurdi and two area offices in Katsina-Ala and Otukpo.
Benue State Deputy Governor, Engineer Benson Abounu who anchored the technical session, acknowledged the beautiful plans by Nigerians but lamented poor implementation of such plans, expressing the hope that Benue would see visible results as soon as possible.
HYPPADEC Chairman and Benue born, Hon Joseph Terfa Tyav, commended Governor Samuel Ortom for hosting the stakeholders meeting, saying Benue had remained supportive of the Commission.
During the technical session, Dr Muhammad Alkali acknowledged the devastating effect of flooding in Benue especially in the seven local government areas of Logo, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Makurdi, Gwer West and Agatu, adding that data was collected from 6,358 households and justice would be done to it.
Contributions and inputs were made from traditional rulers and other major stakeholders in the State during the stakeholders meeting held at the Banquet Hall of Benue Peoples House Makurdi.
