by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Managing Director of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Area Development Commission (HYPADEC), Jimoh Haruna Gabi, has paid a visit to Jos to express the Commission’s condolences to the state over the destruction caused by miscreants, who came in to harm and disrupt the peace of Plateau State.
He spoke to journalists shortly after presenting some food items, mattresses, oil, among other items, to the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA) at the flagging-off of distribution of HYPADEC IDP support at the PLASEMA Office State Secretariat, Jos.
“Apart from the briefing I received from the state coordinator about recent incidents, we are aware that, given the current situation, people have been unable to farm. Even going to the market has become a dangerous venture,” Jimoh Gabi noted.
“We recognize that providing foodstuff will offer immediate relief to the victims. Though, it may seem small, this gesture is our way of expressing sympathy for what has happened. We hope it will help augment whatever resources are needed,” he stressed.
The Managing Director explained that, they have been doing more than just this. “For example, we’ve renovated the barracks as part of our security efforts, and we are about to commence a contract for security infrastructure.”
He pointed out that, regarding agriculture, they have provided fertilizer in the past, and they are also looking at deploying planters and sprayers soon, adding that, he have just received the list for approval.
“Additionally, we continue to focus on security and training initiatives. Last year, we gave out startup kits to trainees because we believe that, ‘an idle hand is the devil’s workshop.’ Our goal is to keep people engaged which, in turn, will contribute to the economy and improve per-capita income and the standard of living. This is the vision we have,” he noted.
Jimoh Haruna Gabi further explained that, they are considering a resettlement program for people, who have been displaced from their ancestral homes, whether due to floods or insecurity. “The state is one of the areas where we’re providing this intervention,” he said.
He revealed also that, the Commission has deemed it necessary to award contracts for the construction of proper resettlement camps for internally-displaced persons (IDPs) to ensure they have a dignified place to stay.
“With 13 units in Mangut and 6 units in Bassa these make all in all 19 units,” he said, adding that, “The Commission has been “People’s-friendly” and “Communities-oriented,” and appreciated the Governor of Plateau State, saying, “We cannot stay in Minna when trouble is here.”
He urged the people to be more vigilant and have an intelligent system in place and be security conscious.
Receiving the items on behalf of Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, by the Secretary of PLASEMA, Hon. Sunday Abdu said “The distribution of relief materials to the affected (attacked) communities in Mangut, Bokkos, Bassa, Riyom and Barkin-Ladi is a beacon of hope.”
While appreciating the Commission for these essential supplies, Hon. Abdu seized the opportunity to make an urgent call for more comprehensive intervention, adding that, “The state is in greater need in stopping this senseless carnage ensuring robust for our communities, while facilitating the resettlement of displaced persons, providing vital farm implements to enable our people to return to their livelihoods and offering crucial scholarship to secure the feature of our young generation.”