From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has assured the Governing Board of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) of his administration’s support towards ensuring that the Commission delivers meaningful development to the people of the region.
Governor Mutfwang gave the assurance when he received members of the Governing Board of the NCDC led by its Chairman, Barr. Cosmas Akighir, at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman said the Board was in Plateau State as part of its ongoing tour of the North Central states to engage Governors who are critical stakeholders for the success of the Commission.
Barr. Akighir appreciated Governor Mutfwang for his support and commitment to the Commission, noting that such encouragement has motivated the Board and Management to remain focused on laying a solid foundation for the NCDC.
He explained that the Commission was established to promote development in the region through industrialisation, infrastructure development, empowerment programmes, economic growth and shared prosperity.
The Chairman appealed to the Governor to support the take-off of the Commission by assisting with operational vehicles, office accommodation for its zonal operations and other logistics required for effective service delivery.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, briefed the Governor on activities undertaken by the Commission since its inauguration.
Dr. Tsenyil said the NCDC has commenced engagements with key government agencies, the private sector and development partners aimed at developing an implementation roadmap that will drive the transformation of the North Central region.
He assured the Governor that the Commission was not established to compete with state or local governments but to complement their efforts by addressing development gaps and accelerating progress.
The Managing Director also informed the Governor about the forthcoming North Central Stakeholders Summit, which he said would provide an opportunity for Governors to share their expectations, perspectives and vision for the Commission as critical partners in the development of the region.
Dr. Tsenyil assured Governor Mutfwang that Plateau State would receive its fair share of projects and programmes as the Commission is committed to equity, fairness and inclusivity in all its interventions.
Responding, Governor Mutfwang welcomed the NCDC Governing Board to Plateau State and congratulated them on their appointments.
He described the establishment of the Commission as a novel initiative, noting that the North Central region has numerous development gaps that require urgent attention.
The Governor advised the Commission to focus on connecting the states of the region through strategic investments in roads, water supply, transportation, agriculture, energy and industrial development.
He also urged the Commission to avoid politicisation and divisive tendencies that could derail it from achieving its mandate.
Governor Mutfwang directed the Secretary to the Government of the State and the Chief of Staff to immediately examine the requests presented by the Commission and advise him on areas where support can be provided.
During the visit, the Chairman presented the Governor with a copy of the North Central Development Commission Establishment Act 2024.
The NCDC delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, to seek his royal blessings.
Speaking at the palace, the Chairman of the Commission, Barr. Cosmas Akighir, said the NCDC regards the traditional institution as a critical partner and would work closely with it to positively impact the lives of people at the grassroots.
Managing Director/CEO Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil also sought the support of the royal father, describing the mandate of the Commission as one that requires collective commitment and collaboration.
In his remarks, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, expressed delight at the establishment of the Commission and urged the Federal Government to provide adequate funding to enable it deliver meaningful impact.
He further advised members of the Commission to set aside religious, political and ethnic considerations, stressing that such divisions only hinder development.