Warrah boat mishap: We donated only N3m, not N300m – HYPPADEC
Warrah boat mishap: We donated only N3m, not N300m – HYPPADEC
The Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) has refuted online media reports that it donated N300 million as against the actual donation of N3 million to the victims of Warrah boat mishap in Kebbi State.
In statement signed by Alhaji Nura Tanko Wakili, the Head, Media and Public Affairs, of HYPPADEC and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday said the figure was misquoted and bogus.
“Our attention has been drawn to an online publication by some online media, claiming that HYPPADEC, donated N300 million to victims of Warrah boat mishap.
“The publication by some online media is a misrepresentation of facts and bogus as the actual figure of the donation is N3 million not the N300 million.
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“To put the record straight, HYPPADEC did not issue statement to such media outfits containing such vague and perhaps, capable of creating dissatisfaction in a community already mourning the passing away of their loved ones,” it said.
The statement added that the, HYPPADEC was not aware of the origin of such claim by the media on the N300 million donation as press release issued to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, and a story published from such by the Agency contain no such claim.
“We urged Nigerians to disregard such publication by the media as it’s erratic and a misrepresentation of what the Commission actually donated.
“We believe the error must have been not deliberate,” it said.
The statement recalled that the HYPPADEC Managing Director Director, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa,announced a cash donation of N3 million as a support to the families of the deceased and the survivors that were still receiving treatment at home and in the hospital.
He prayed for repose of the souls of the deceased and urged riverine communities to always observe safety measures while crossing the river.
The statement quoted the MD as disclosing this when he led a delegation from the commission to Wara, Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State, to commiserate with the people of the area over the recent boat mishap that claimed over 100 lives.
“The commission has secured approval of the Governing Council to cut and evacuate tree trunks in some portions of River Niger while consultations are ongoing with National Inland Waterways Authority to crush big rocks causing accidents on the waterways.
”All these are part of the Commission’s proactive measures to address the incessant boat and canoe accidents on the River Niger.
“This delegation has the directives of the Chairman, HYPPADEC Governing Council, Barrister Joseph Terfa Ityav, to commiserate with the people affected by the incident.
“This ugly incident is highly devastating, therefore, I want to advocate for a concerted effort to avert future occurrence,” Sadiq-Yelwa said as quoted by the statement.
