N-HYPPADEC FLAGS OFF DISTRIBUTION OF HAND-DRIVEN POWER TILLERS, RELIEF MATERIALS, AND LIFE JACKETS.

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has officially commenced the distribution of hand-driven power tillers, relief materials, and life jackets as part of efforts to enhance dry-season farming within its communities.

In his welcome address, the N-HYPPADEC Managing Director/CEO, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa fcna, FniiS, FNIM (Katukan Yauri), expressed his profound gratitude to Governor Umar Muhammad Bago for his unwavering support and dedication to the commission, recalling the Governor's advocacy on behalf of the Commission.

He emphasized that the State Government's initiative is in harmony with N-HYPPADEC’s mission to foster sustainable community development through empowerment and enhancing agricultural production.

The Managing Director also highlighted that, in an effort to enhance the lives and livelihoods of its host communities, the Commission is distributing 850 units of 13-hp hand-driven power tillers, 4,000 life jackets, 50 cartons of pesticides, 100 cartons of herbicides, 500 bags of NPK fertilizer, and a cash donation of N10 million for Mokwa and other flood-affected communities.

He further informed the attendees that the Commission has recently awarded a contract for the provision of planters and knapsack sprayers for distribution to the affected communities in the member states.

"The Commission is focusing more on agriculture, particularly agroforestry, to elevate the living standards of our people. We will collaborate with the state government and traditional institutions to achieve a significant milestone," he stated.

He also mentioned that these initiatives are crucial as they reinforce N-HYPPADEC's mission to promote sustainable development in hydroelectric power-producing areas, aligning with the President's agenda for employment, agricultural productivity, and community resilience.

In his address, the Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Farmer Governor Umaru Muhammad Bago, conveyed his appreciation to N-HYPPADEC and its Managing Director for their ongoing support and intervention, which he remarked has led to a noticeable transformation in Niger State.

He also extended his congratulations to the Managing Director on his reappointment for another four-year term, highlighting that this reflects his significant contributions to the development of the N-HYPPADEC States.

He acknowledged the Managing Director as a visionary leader who understands food security and food sovereignty, as the distribution of these items indicates his willingness to continue to support communities in distress.

He stressed the necessity of utilizing the distributed equipment for dry-season agriculture in the lower dry seasons. He encouraged farmers to transition towards pasture production as an alternative to corn or rice, pointing out that this shift would help mitigate conflicts between farmers and herders and align with the President's livestock initiative.

The Governor further reiterated the Niger State Government's commitment to supporting N-HYPPADEC, acknowledging its significance.

He suggested a collaboration with N-HYPPADEC to invest in Harvest of Water projects, which would include constructing wells and boreholes to manage surplus dam water and replenish underground aquifers.

In a goodwill message, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, Niger State, Alh. Dr. Yahaya Abubakar CFR, congratulated the Managing Director on his reappointment by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He expressed his gratitude and praised the Managing Director for his dedicated service during his initial term and prayed that Allaah SWT continues to guide him.

He assured the Managing Director of the ongoing support from traditional institutions to assist the Commission in fulfilling its mandate.