N-HYPPADEC Refutes COSA’s Hired False, Misleading Claims on Kuta Project…

…Says Groups Cannot Rewrite History

By YM Bina

The attention of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has refuted misleading and malicious of a claimed Coalition of Shiroro Associations (COSA), alleging that the Commission never executed the Rescue Village project in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Commission categorically describes the claims as false, reckless, mischievous, and a desperate attempt to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of N-HYPPADEC and its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa.

This is contained in a press statement issued by the Head, Press and Public Affairs, N-HYPPADEC, Nura Tanko Wakili in Minna.

According to him, “For the avoidance of doubt, the Rescue Village was duly funded, completed, and commissioned by the Commission on June 30, 2022, in collaboration with its then-partner, the New Approach. The project was established to provide temporary shelter and relief for internally displaced persons affected by recurring floods and bandit attacks in Shiroro and surrounding communities”.

He added that the facility was equipped with modern amenities, including solar-powered electricity, makeshift residential accommodations, toilet facilities, potable water, security infrastructure, and other essential services to ensure a safe and dignified living environment for displaced families.

It is a matter of public record that the then Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Matane, commissioned the project on behalf of the then Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello.

The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by government officials, community leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies and  the media.

Unfortunately, only a few days after the commissioning, the facility was vandalised by hoodlums who looted equipment and other valuable items worth millions of naira. The criminal attack resulted in significant losses and robbed the communities, the opportunity to benefit from the facility.

Despite prevailing financial constraints, N-HYPPADEC has continued consultations with relevant stakeholders on the most appropriate approach to providing shelter for the distressed, hence the ongoing construction of the N-HYPPADEC Resettlement Housing schemes in Layi and Galadima Kogo in Shiroro and Injita in Munya Local Government Areas respectively.

It is, therefore, astonishing that a group claiming to represent the interests of the people of Shiroro would deny the existence of a project that was publicly commissioned and widely reported. Such conduct is not only dishonest but also exposes the desperation of the group’s sponsors to mislead the public for selfish and politically motivated reasons.

Rather than engage constructively with the Commission, the group has chosen the ignoble path of misinformation, blackmail and character assassination. Their claims amount to a deliberate campaign of deception aimed at undermining the developmental achievements of N-HYPPADEC.

The statement noted that the Commission wishes to state unequivocally that it welcomes constructive criticism from genuine stakeholders. However, it will not fold its arms while faceless groups, apparently hired to serve vested interests, fabricate lies, spread propaganda and attempt to discredit an institution committed to improving the lives of people in hydroelectric power-producing communities.

We are particularly concerned that this campaign of falsehood is emerging at a time when the Commission is making a passionate appeal to Generation Companies (GenCos), to fulfil their statutory obligations so that more developmental projects can be delivered to N-HYPPADEC States. It is unfortunate that, instead of supporting these efforts, some individuals have chosen to embark on a campaign of deliberate misinformation.

To further expose the blatant falsehood being peddled by COSA and its sponsors, the Commission has attached photographs of the completed Rescue Village taken during its official commissioning. These photographs constitute undeniable evidence that the project was executed, completed and commissioned as stated.

N-HYPPADEC, under the leadership of its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, remains committed to transparency, accountability and inclusive development. The Commission operates an open-door policy and encourages any individual or organisation with genuine concerns to seek clarification through appropriate channels rather than resorting to falsehoods and media propaganda.

The Commission therefore urges members of the public to disregard the unfounded allegations by this compromised and thoroughly discredited group and its sponsors.

Nura Tanko Wakili said that the ridiculous claim coming four years after is nothing but a failed attempt to blackmail, intimidate and distract an institution whose developmental footprints across hydroelectric power-producing communities are visible, verifiable and widely acknowledged.

N-HYPPADEC remains focused on its statutory mandate and will not be distracted by merchants of falsehood, hired propagandists or agents of mischief.