The Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman, has said the Federal Government is creating massive job opportunities for Nigerian youths in the power sector through the five million Solar Home System (SHS) project, the Mass Metering Programme (MMS), the Siemens deal, among others.
Engr. Mamman disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, where he addressed youths on the need to foster peace and harmony.
In a statement from his office, the minister also spoke on the backdrop of the #EndSARS protests, lauding the youths for making their voices heard on developmental issues.
However, he urged the youths to shun violent protests while giving the President Muhammadu Buhari administration a chance to implement their demands.
Engr. Mamman said the five million solar project was being implemented through the Economic Sustainability Plan being steered by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
He explained that, “Already plans are ongoing to kick start this, and it is being designed to ensure that the majority of the firms and the installers are Nigerian youths. This is also part of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s focus on lifting 100 million people out of poverty within 10 years.
“I am directly in touch with the implementing agencies: the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) on this, I can assure you.”
The minister also said the president had directed a mass metering in the power sector; starting immediately.
He explained that, “The local assembly, installation and the maintenance of these meters are largely handled by our industrious youths.
“The Siemens project will turn around the power supply situation. When this happens, industries will be revived and SMEs driven by youths will thrive more.”
He also said the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) was building the capacity of youths in renewable energy so that more of them could become solar power installers and dealers.
The minister, therefore, urged the youths to be vigilant and resist any attempt by some people to use them to incite violence for their sinister motive.
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