From KABIR Dankatsina
The Federal government has Commissioned the National- Hydro Power Producing Development Commission (N- HYPPADEC located in Yauri town under Yauri local government area of Kebbi State.
The Project was commissioned on Thursday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF ), Senator George Akume.
Speaking during the event held at the palace of emir Yauri , the SGF who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Simeun Ugwu said, the rehabilitation of Yauri Water Scheme was a symbol of progress, development and federal government’s commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.
According to Akume, the giant project initiated by N-HYPPADEC several years ago in the ancient town of Yauri was a subtle initiative of the commission under its pioneer Managing Director, Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa .
He traced the root of the project to the 1960s when the construction of Kanji Dam was conceptualised and suggested relocation of some communities from their original settlements.
Akume said Yelwan Yauri was one of those towns that made significant sacrifices “for the greater good of our country. The federal government recognises this paradox and has been working to make water scarcity a thing of the past especially in the power producing communities across the country.
“Specialised agencies such as N-HYPPADEC have been at the forefront of this efforts, drilling both solar motorised boreholes and hand pumps to enhance water supply across all areas in which the commission operates” he added.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris said the project was a partnership between the Kebbi State Government and N-HYPPADEC to improve the livelihood of citizens of the state.
Gov Idris, who was represented by the Speaker, Kebbi House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman-Zuru, described the project as a life saving scheme “in view of the fact that water is life.”
He said the collaboration underscored the commitment of the state and federal governments to improving the lives of the citizens, especially in critical sector like water supply.
While appreciating N-HYPPADEC for the rehabilitation works, the governor said Yauri Water Scheme was not just an infrastructure project but a lifeline to the citizens of Yauri and Kebbi State in general. .
Earlier, the Managing Director, N-HYPPADEC, Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa said the project was a crucial component of Renewed Hope Agenda under the examplary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that the agenda has placed a high premium on improving the quality of lives of Nigerians, assuring that provision of clean, safe, reliable and potable water was a cornerstone of the president’s vision.
Sadiq Yelwa described Kebbi Government as a steadfast partner to the commission, adding that the state government’s support had been invaluable in the implementation of various initiatives across the state.
He also lauded the Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi, for proposing the project during the commission’s familiarisation tour in 2021.
The MD further disclosed that, the water scheme would significantly improve the living condition of Yauri people by ensuring consistent supply of treated water to the households, businesses and institutions.
