FG, N-HYPPADEC Restore Hope to Benue Flood Victims with Resettlement Scheme

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has commissioned and handed over 20 resettlement housing units to families displaced by recurring floods in Benue State, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting communities affected by hydroelectric power activities.
The housing units were inaugurated on Tuesday at Mbagen in Buruku Local Government Area as part of a broader intervention designed to restore hope, dignity and sustainable livelihoods to victims of recurrent flooding.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Mr. Sadiq Yelwa, represented by the Commission’s Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Jimoh Gabi, said the project reflects the Federal Government’s determination to improve the living conditions of communities impacted by hydroelectric power generation. He explained that N-HYPPADEC was established to address the developmental, environmental and socio-economic challenges facing hydropower-producing communities through interventions in housing, healthcare, education, agriculture, water supply, environmental protection, renewable energy and empowerment programmes.
Yelwa disclosed that the Commission approved the construction of 63 housing units across beneficiary local government areas in Benue State, with the first phase comprising 20 completed homes now ready for occupation. He stated that 10 of the completed houses are located in Buruku Local Government Area, while the remaining 10 are in Guma Local Government Area, all allocated to families displaced by flooding.
He urged the beneficiaries to properly maintain the houses, describing them as long-term assets, and assured that the Commission would complete the remaining housing units while expanding development projects across its mandate areas. He also appreciated the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the Benue State Government, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their support in ensuring the successful execution of the project.
In his remarks, the SGF, Senator George Akume, represented by Prof. Daniel Ipilakya, Director of Engineering and Technical Services at N-HYPPADEC, described the resettlement housing scheme as one of the flagship interventions of his office. He said the housing units represent safety, restored livelihoods and the Federal Government’s resolve not to abandon communities affected by natural disasters. According to him, the project also demonstrates government’s commitment to strengthening climate resilience, reducing disaster risks and improving the quality of life of vulnerable populations.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Deborah Aber, commended N-HYPPADEC for completing and handing over the housing units to the beneficiaries. The governor praised the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing displacement with dignity and compassion while improving the welfare of communities affected by hydroelectric power projects. He assured the Commission of the state’s continued cooperation in facilitating the inspection, handover and occupation of the housing units and pledged sustained collaboration with development partners to promote inclusive development and improve living standards across the state.
Also speaking, the Ter Buruku, His Royal Highness Moses Hanior, described the project as a major milestone for the community, noting that it would significantly improve the welfare of residents. He assured N-HYPPADEC that the community would safeguard and properly maintain the housing units and appealed to the Commission to construct a perimeter fence around the Mbagen Comprehensive Health Centre to enhance security.
Hanior commended Governor Alia for prioritising rural development and appreciated the Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, Hon. Raymond Azege, for supporting the successful execution of the project. He also thanked the Federal Government, N-HYPPADEC and the Benue State Government for what he described as a significant intervention that would further boost community development.
The resettlement housing project was formally commissioned by Governor Alia through his representative, Mrs. Deborah Aber.