We’ll Confront Insecurity, Address Humanitarian Crises, and Drive Development in North Central — NCDC

By David Odama

The Board of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has pledged to leave no stone unturned in tackling insecurity, mitigating flooding, and driving sustainable development across the region.

Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, gave the assurance during the commission’s inaugural meeting held in Lafia, the headquarters of the commission.

According to him, the board took far-reaching decisions at the meeting, including the development of a template aimed at addressing humanitarian crises triggered by insecurity and other challenges bedeviling the region.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Dr. Tsenyil explained that the inaugural session was convened to set strategies, agenda, responsibilities, and operational guidelines for the commission’s activities.

He noted that the persistent clashes between farmers and herders have severely hampered the region’s growth while displacing thousands of residents and causing widespread destruction and loss of lives.

“Apart from insecurity, the North Central is perennially affected by flooding, which destroys farmland, crops, and homes, leaving many people homeless.

“We are developing a comprehensive plan to drive the resettlement of communities displaced by insecurity and floods. We are deeply concerned about these crises and are committed to providing lasting solutions.

“We are mindful of urgent needs across the region, which include infrastructure such as roads and bridges, resettlement and rehabilitation, economic recovery, health, housing, water and energy, peace and security, education, environmental restoration, transportation, and agriculture,” he stated.

Dr. Tsenyil emphasized that the NCDC will implement projects designed to close development gaps and foster integrated growth that enhances the prosperity of the people.

“We assure the people of the North Central region that our operations will be fair and inclusive, carrying along every state in the zone,” he declared.

He further stated that the board will be guided by the Act establishing the NCDC as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The managing director expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the political will that brought the commission into existence and for entrusting the board with the responsibility of serving the region and the nation.

He also thanked Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for his unwavering support for the commission, noting that the state government not only donated and furnished the NCDC headquarters in Lafia but also provided a temporary office at the Nasarawa liaison office in Abuja for federal operations.

“These gestures confirm that siting the NCDC headquarters in Lafia was indeed a worthwhile decision,” Dr. Tsenyil remarked.

He further appreciated the governors of the six North Central states and the Minister of the FCT for their commitments, which, according to him, have enabled the commission to “hit the ground running.”