The Federal Government, through the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), has handed over 20 resettlement housing units to families displaced by recurrent flooding in Benue State.
The houses were inaugurated on Tuesday at Mbagen in Buruku Local Government Area as part of efforts to provide safe shelter and improve the living conditions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by flooding.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Sadiq Yelwa, said the resettlement project was designed to restore hope, dignity and stability to affected families while demonstrating the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting communities impacted by hydroelectric power generation.
Represented by the Commission’s Director of Finance and Administration, Jimoh Gabi, Yelwa explained that N-HYPPADEC was established to address the developmental, environmental and socio-economic challenges facing hydropower-producing communities.
He said the Commission’s interventions cover housing, healthcare, education, agriculture, water supply, environmental protection, renewable energy and economic empowerment programmes.
According to him, a total of 63 housing units were approved across beneficiary local government areas in Benue State, with the first phase of 20 units now completed and ready for occupation.
“Sixty-three housing units were approved across beneficiary local government areas in Benue, with the first 20 completed and ready for occupation.
“The completed units comprise 10 houses in Buruku and another 10 in Guma Local Government Area for families displaced by flooding.
“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,” he said.
Yelwa also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the Benue State Government, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for supporting the successful implementation of the project.
Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Director of Engineering and Technical Services at N-HYPPADEC, Prof. Daniel Ipilakya, described the resettlement housing scheme as one of the flagship interventions of the SGF’s office.
He said the project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening climate resilience, reducing disaster risks and improving the quality of life of vulnerable communities.
According to him, the housing units provide not only shelter but also renewed hope, safety and sustainable livelihoods for displaced families.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, praised the Federal Government for addressing the plight of communities affected by flooding and hydroelectric power projects.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working closely with N-HYPPADEC to ensure the successful inspection, handover and occupation of the housing units by beneficiaries.
Also speaking, the Ter Buruku, His Royal Highness Moses Hanior, described the resettlement project as a landmark intervention that would significantly improve the welfare and living conditions of affected residents.
The housing project was officially inaugurated by Governor Alia through his representative, Deborah Aber.
