By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has commended the Federal Government for approving N80 billion to mitigate the devastating impact of flooding in vulnerable communities across the country.
The Managing Director of N- HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, (Katuka Yauri) gave the commendation while speaking with journalists after the Commission’s quarterly management meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State Capital.
The meeting brought together top management staff to review ongoing projects, assess programme implementation, evaluate departmental performance and evolve strategies for improving service delivery across HYPPADEC member states.
Sadiq-Yelwa described the Federal Government’s intervention as timely and a demonstration of its commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting livelihoods and reducing the socio-economic consequences of recurring floods.
He said the approval of the intervention fund would significantly complement ongoing efforts by N-HYPPADEC to strengthen flood prevention, preparedness and response in communities located around hydroelectric dams and other flood-prone areas.
According to him, the increasing intensity of flooding due to climate change requires sustained investment in preventive infrastructure, early warning systems, public enlightenment and emergency response mechanisms.
“The approval of the N80 billion intervention fund by the Federal Government is highly commendable. It is a proactive and strategic response to the perennial flooding that threatens many communities every year.
“Considering the magnitude of the challenge, we appeal for additional funding to enable relevant agencies to implement lasting flood control measures and adequately protect lives, farmlands and critical infrastructure,” he said.
Sadiq-Yelwa explained that N-HYPPADEC had consistently intensified its annual flood preparedness campaign through early sensitisation programmes conducted months before the peak of the rainy season.
He said the campaigns focused on educating residents of flood-prone communities on disaster preparedness, early evacuation, environmental sanitation and adherence to warnings issued by relevant government agencies.
According to him, the Commission has also continued to collaborate with state governments, local government authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders and emergency management agencies to minimise flood-related disasters in its mandate areas.
The Managing Director said the quarterly management meeting provided an avenue to critically assess the performance of departments and divisions, identify operational challenges, receive reports from field offices and strengthen coordination for effective project delivery.
He stressed that the Commission remained committed to executing people-oriented projects that would improve the socio-economic wellbeing of residents in N-HYPPADEC member states.
Sadiq-Yelwa also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, accountability and efficient utilisation of public resources in line with the Federal Government’s public service reform agenda.
On staff productivity, the Managing Director said N-HYPPADEC would continue to enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy to strengthen discipline, enhance productivity and promote accountability among members of staff.
He noted that the policy was not intended to punish workers but to encourage commitment to duty, improve service delivery and ensure that public institutions operate with professionalism and efficiency.
Sadiq-Yelwa urged staff to remain dedicated to the Commission’s mandate, assuring them that management would continue to provide an enabling environment for improved performance while rewarding diligence, integrity and outstanding service.
He reaffirmed N-HYPPADEC’s resolve to deepen partnerships with the Federal Government, state governments and development partners in addressing environmental challenges, promoting sustainable development and improving the living conditions of people in hydroelectric power-producing communities across the country.
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