Spread the word “A leader is a dealer in hope.” – Napoleon Hill The leadership trajectory of Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa (Katukan Yauri) as the Managing Director of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has been marked by remarkable transformation and impactful initiatives aimed at promoting the greatest good for the greatest number of people across the commission’s benefiting states. It is therefore my privilege to pen this tribute in honour of this distinguished technocrat and indefatigable leader as friends, associates, and well-wishers celebrated his birthday on 14 March 2026. Alhaji Yelwa has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence and result-oriented leadership, with developmental projects that have positively touched numerous communities across N-HYPPADEC states. One notable intervention was in Pategi community in Kwara state, where devastating floods and erosion destroyed over 1,000 hectares of rice, maize, and millet farms. In response, Yelwa’s proactive leadership led to the construction of a 570-metre erosion and flood control dyke in August 2023, bringing much-needed relief and protection to the affected communities. Indeed, this was a commendable and timely intervention. As Mike Murdock once observed, “Success does not just happen; you must set it in motion.” In the same spirit, Yelwa’s dynamic leadership extended to Koton Karfe in Kogi state, another area long plagued by recurrent flooding. During the commissioning of the Koton Karfe Flood Control Project executed by N-HYPPADEC, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, reiterated the commitment of the federal government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu to addressing humanitarian and economic challenges across the nation. Similarly, in New Bussa, Niger state, the commission under Yelwa’s leadership rehabilitated and expanded the long-abandoned New Bussa Water Works Project, which had lingered for many years. The commission also constructed numerous solar-powered boreholes and hand pumps across N-HYPPADEC states, significantly improving access to potable water in rural communities. In further demonstration of his passion for youth empowerment, Yelwa facilitated the procurement of ₦2 billion worth of starter packs for young entrepreneurs across the benefiting states. This initiative reflects his belief in empowering young people with sustainable skills teaching them how to fish rather than merely giving them fish. Other notable initiatives include resettlement schemes in Muregi and Kesto communities in Niger as well as similar efforts in Kogi, Kebbi and Kwara states, in addition to the construction of over 120 classroom blocks across various communities within the commission’s mandate areas. His leadership footprint also extends to Benue state, where N-HYPPADEC commissioned the Achusa Canal (Phases I and II), and in Plateau state, where the Gashish Mobile Police Barracks in Barkin Ladi was completed to strengthen security and curb banditry attacks. In Niger state alone, the commission distributed 539 motorcycles across wards to strengthen security and mobility for local economic activities. In addition, 1,500 youths were trained, and 1,615 bags of rice were distributed to vulnerable citizens in 2022. Educational support has also been a hallmark of Yelwa’s leadership. In Benue state, 1,064 students received free NECO and WAEC examination forms, alongside scholarships for qualified students from vulnerable communities. Farmers also benefited from the distribution of 1,740 bags of NPK fertiliser, as well as the installation of solar street lights. Kebbi state equally witnessed impactful interventions, including vocational training for 179 beneficiaries, distribution of 1,230 bags of rice to vulnerable households, and the provision of ₦30 million educational support to three emirates. Additional interventions included motorcycles, fertilisers, solar-powered boreholes, and the rehabilitation of the Yauri Water Works Project. Plateau state also benefited from free NECO and WAEC forms, the drilling of 40 new boreholes, rehabilitation of 30 hand pumps, skill acquisition training for youths, and fertiliser support for farmers. In his birthday tribute, former Plateau State Governor Joshua Dariye commended Yelwa for his developmental strides across the commission’s mandate states and urged stakeholders to support him in achieving even greater milestones in his second tenure. He also praised President Tinubu for reappointing him. As this beacon of hope and true son of Africa, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa (Katukan Yauri), marks another year, our prayer is that God grants him many more fruitful years in service to humanity and Nigeria. It is our firm belief that his second term will further advance the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen development in hydroelectric power producing communities. In the words of the Latin maxim: Salus populi suprema lex (the welfare of the people is the supreme law). May he also draw inspiration from the words of Mike Murdock: “Whatsoever you set your heart upon, surely it shall be yours.” Happy Birthday to an uncommon leader. Fatai Ibrahim, former National President, National Human Rights Club (Tertiary Institutions), Distinguished Alumnus, Faculty of Law, University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University