By Abbas Nazil
The North-East Stakeholders Forum for Sustainable Development (NESFSD) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the managing director of the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, over the approval and release of N80 billion aimed at reducing the impact of flooding in vulnerable communities across the country.
The forum described the intervention as a timely response to the recurring devastation caused by floods, saying the funding reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting property and strengthening disaster preparedness in flood-prone areas.
In a statement jointly signed by the forum’s national chairman, Alhaji Murtala Sule Jalingo, and secretary-general, Comrade Danladi Bawa Gombe, the group noted that the fund would significantly enhance ongoing flood prevention and mitigation efforts, particularly in states under HYPPADEC’s mandate where seasonal flooding has continued to threaten communities and livelihoods.
The stakeholders, however, urged the Federal Government to sustain its support by making additional resources available for long-term flood control measures and environmental protection initiatives capable of reducing the growing risks associated with climate-related disasters.
They also expressed confidence that the approved funds would be managed transparently and effectively to address the challenges posed by heavy rainfall, while improving the resilience of communities frequently affected by flooding.
The forum further praised the leadership of HYPPADEC Managing Director, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, describing him as a dedicated administrator whose commitment to regular project reviews, field monitoring and performance evaluation has improved the commission’s service delivery across its member states.
According to the statement, Yelwa’s hands-on leadership approach has strengthened project implementation by identifying operational challenges early, improving coordination with field offices and ensuring that developmental programmes are executed efficiently for the benefit of host communities.
The group added that HYPPADEC has maintained its annual flood preparedness campaigns under Yelwa’s leadership by carrying out early sensitisation programmes in flood-prone communities ahead of the rainy season.
It said these awareness campaigns have helped residents better prepare for potential flooding while complementing government efforts to minimise the loss of lives and property during periods of intense rainfall.
The stakeholders also highlighted the commission’s interventions in Gombe and Taraba states, noting that projects implemented in the two states have been tailored to meet the specific needs of host communities.
They said the interventions have contributed to improving livelihoods, supporting local development and promoting sustainable growth in areas directly impacted by hydropower activities and recurrent flooding.
The forum reaffirmed its support for the Federal Government’s flood mitigation efforts and encouraged continued collaboration among relevant agencies to ensure that communities vulnerable to flooding receive lasting protection through effective infrastructure, environmental conservation and disaster management programmes.
