FG hands over 20 housing units to Benue IDPs

In Benue State, Nigeria, the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has delivered a significant boost to families displaced by recurrent flooding. The commission officially handed over 20 resettlement housing units, a project designed to restore hope and dignity to those affected. This initiative underscores the Federal Government's dedication to enhancing the lives of communities impacted by hydroelectric power generation and related environmental challenges.

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Sixty-three housing units were approved across beneficiary local government areas in Benue, with the first 20 completed and ready for occupation.

Speaking at the inauguration in Mbagen, Buruku Local Government Area, N-HYPPADEC's Managing Director, Sadiq Yelwa, represented by Director of Finance and Administration Mr. Jimoh Gabi, explained that the commission was established to address the developmental, environmental, and socio-economic issues confronting hydropower-producing communities. Their interventions span critical areas such as housing, healthcare, education, agriculture, water supply, environmental protection, renewable energy, and empowerment programs.

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The completed units comprise 10 houses in Buruku and another 10 in Guma Local Government Area for families displaced by flooding.

This initial handover of 20 units, comprising 10 houses in Buruku and 10 in Guma Local Government Area, is part of a larger plan to deliver 63 housing units across beneficiary local government areas in Benue. Yelwa urged the beneficiaries to maintain the homes as lasting assets and reaffirmed the commission's commitment to completing the remaining units and undertaking additional development projects within its mandate.

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We urge beneficiaries to maintain these homes as lasting assets while the Commission remains committed to completing the remaining units and implementing more development projects across its mandate areas.

The project received commendation from various stakeholders, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who was represented by Prof. Daniel Ipilakya. The SGF highlighted the resettlement housing project as a flagship intervention demonstrating the government's commitment to climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities. Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, also lauded the Federal Government's efforts in addressing displacement with dignity and compassion, assuring N-HYPPADEC of his administration's cooperation.

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The housing units represented safety and renewed livelihoods.