Niger: Etsu Nupe seeks improved funding for N-HYPPADEC for even development
By: TUNDE BOLAJI MINNA.
The Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, has called on the Federal Government to improve the funding of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC).
According to the Etsu Nupe, this is given the significant role the commission is playing in the development of the states under its mandate.
The traditional ruler spoke when the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, visited him in his Wadata palace in Bida.
The Etsu Nupe explained it was extremely important for government at all levels and wealthy individuals to assist adequately in funding the N-HYPPADEC, because of its significant role in addressing emergency cases of riverine communities.
“N-HYPPADEC is playing a key role in the provision of education and other infrastructure to the states under its coverage.
“By ensuring its adequate funding the activities of the commission will greatly complement the efforts of the federal government in bolstering the welfare of flood victims and Nigerians,” he noted.
The Etsu Nupe expressed his readiness to support any initiative targeted at improving the living standard of his people, saying:
“This is because improving and enhancing the livelihood of our people remains my cardinal principle”.
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar explained that the reappointment of Sadiq Yelwa for another four years in office was a testament to the appreciation of his leadership not only by people of Niger and other member states, but that of federal government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Wholeheartedly congratulating Sadiq-Yelwa, the Etsu Nupe assured that his doors remained open to support N-HYPPADEC to succeed, in addition to mobilizing his people to own government projects executed in their areas.
On the visit by the managing director of N-HYPPADEC, Etsu Nupe lauded efforts to end the perennial water scarcity affecting residents of Bida and environs in collaboration with the Niger State Government.
Speaking earlier, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa commended the Etsu Nupe and other well-meaning Nigerians for their unwavering support for N-HYPPADEC and called for more to succeed.
He announced plans to think creatively in his second tenure to evolve additional sources of funding to enable them to execute more impactful projects within the commission’s catchment area.
