Nasarawa Governor, Regional Development ministers commend NCDC as policy review retreat holds in Lafia

By Anthony Maliki, Abuja

Minister of Regional Development Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Minister of State, Alhaji Uba Maigari and Nasarawa State Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule have praised the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) for being proactive and coming up with strategic plans to develop a road map that will enable it achieve its mandate.

They spoke at the opening of a 2 day policy retreat in Lafia-Nasarawa State organised by the NCDC in conjunction with SPRING, a development partner.

Governor Abdullahi Sule who was represented by the Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe said the idea of holding the policy development retreat at the inception of its journey is not only proper, but a proactive approach by the Board and Management of the Commission.

He said the Commission has done the right thing by bringing together experts and key stakeholders to discuss ideas for the development of the region in line with the mandate of the agency.

The Governor pledged to continue to work with his colleagues in other states by supporting the NCDC through strategic partnerships that will ensure that the North Central Zone reduces the development gaps and enhance prosperity.

Minister of Regional Development Engr. Abubakar Momoh said the NCDC is setting the pace among its peers as many are looking up to its initiatives for peer review.

He urged the Commission to continue to engage all stakeholders holders as it develops a road map which is backed by a practical development plan in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He reiterated the need for the Commission to maintain equity, fairness and inclusivity in its projects and programmes as well as ensure that laid down procedures are followed.

Minister of State Alhaji Maigari also commended the NCDC for being up and doing since inauguration, urging them to focus on making a difference in roads, agriculture, security, health and education, job creation and environmental protection.

He expressed hope that the road map when fully developed will be clear, concise and actionable which will make it difficult for project duplication and waste.

Permanent secretary Ministry of Regional Development, Dr. Rose Ogbe emphasized the need for the Commission to be passionate about serving the people who ultimately are the beneficiaries.

Chairman of the NCDC Barr. Cosmas Akighir said the meeting will elicit contributions from the stakeholders who which will enrich the policy document that will be produced.

He said the Board and Management has been working together for smooth take-off and will sustain the tempo for achieving its mandate.

Managing Director/CEO Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, explained that the Commission took the step towards hosting the retreat in conjunction with SPRING to consolidate on the progress made so far to put the Commission on track.

Dr. Tsenyil said thus far, the Commission has met under the leadership of its Chairman where proactive decisions were reached to set up structures, systems and strategies for addressing the challenges facing the region.

Senate Committee Chairman on North Central Development Commission Senator Titus Zam and his Deputy Senator Jibrin Isa Echoco expressed delight on the retreat which they said provides an opportunity for robust engagement.

Deputy Team Lead SPRING, Priscillia Ankut said their organisation took interest in partnership with the NCDC for propelling the development of the North Central Zone.

Papers were presented by various resource persons on Socio-Economic-Cultural Profile of The North Central Region: Challenges & Opportunities; Institutional Governance & Accountability for Development Commission as well as NCDC Draft Road map Policy Document.