The Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission has inaugurated a skill empowerment programme for 690 youths in Kwara State.

According to the commission, intending participants in the training can choose whatever skill they want to learn.

Speaking on Tuesday at the event themed, 'HYPPADEC Youth Transformation Programme in Ilorin', the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Abubakar Yelwa, disclosed that about 5,000 youths were selected for yearly training from the six states the commission covers: Kwara, Kogi, Kebbi, Benue, Plateau, and Niger.

According to him, the training programmes are usually between three to six months, depending on the type of skill chosen. He added that beneficiaries also enjoy a monthly stipend of N15,000 based on regular attendance, attention during training, and seriousness exhibited.

The state Coordinator of the commission, Hajara Ndaman, said, "The Youth population is an asset of a nation. They are the factor of national power that, if rightly utilized, can lead a country to the heights of glory and prosperity.

"The youths of our country are no less talented than the youths of foreign nations, and they can make our country shine globally if they are properly nurtured; then our country will be built on the firm foundation of their abilities, attitudes and behaviours."