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NORTH CENTRAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: A NEW DAWN FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF A REGION IN NEED
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the bill establishing the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) in February 2025, it was evident that the time for the infrastructural and socio-economic emancipation of the North Central region had finally come.
That singular act rekindled hope across the agriculturally rich, culturally diverse, and politically vibrant region, signalling that its long-awaited moment of renewal had arrived.
For years, the North Central region has remained resilient despite the burden of insecurity, poverty, and infrastructural decay. Yet, it has continued to make immense contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development.
Beyond producing some of the nation’s finest political and military leaders, as well as key figures in the private sector and entertainment industry, the region still grapples with underdevelopment and neglect.
The creation of the NCDC therefore represents more than just a glimmer of hope; it is a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring equitable development and opportunities across all regions under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
One major proof of this commitment is the appointment of highly qualified technocrats and seasoned administrators to steer the affairs of the Commission.
For instance, the President appointed Barr. Cosmas Ternenge Akighir, a distinguished legal practitioner, risk manager, agribusiness expert, and chartered forensic professional, as Chairman of the Board of the NCDC.
Barr. Akighir brings to the role over two decades of experience spanning legal practice, credit risk management, forensic investigation, agribusiness consultancy, and arbitration.
The accomplished lawyer, who holds multiple Master’s degrees earned both in Nigeria and abroad, is well prepared to lead the transformation of the North Central region in collaboration with his fellow board members and the Commission’s management team.
Another inspired appointment is that of Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, a seasoned technocrat and former Accountant-General of Plateau State, who now serves as the Managing Director of the Commission.
Dr. Tsenyil’s vast experience in policy formulation and implementation, fund and project management, and regulatory compliance positions him to promote transparency, accountability, and prudent resource utilization for the benefit of the region.
His expertise in financial analysis, reporting, and data-driven planning will no doubt be instrumental in identifying the region’s core needs and designing effective interventions with lasting impact.
The Board, under the leadership of Barr. Akighir, and the Management, headed by Dr. Tsenyil, are already working in synergy to ensure the successful execution of the Commission’s mandate.
Given the calibre of professionals appointed and their proven track records of excellence, there is every reason to believe that the NCDC will significantly alter the fortunes of the North Central states.
The region now stands on the threshold of transformation – from a zone characterized by poverty, hunger, and infrastructural deficits to one destined for abundance, rapid development, agricultural revolution, urban renewal, and prosperity.
Encouragingly, the Federal Government is making concerted efforts to release funds to enable the Commission to take off effectively.
The Nasarawa State Government has also provided a temporary office in Lafia, from where the NCDC will begin operations pending the construction of its permanent headquarters.
With these developments, the interventionist agency is firmly on course, and the people of the North Central region will soon begin to feel the positive impact of its establishment.
Written by Linus Tor-Hagher, a Journalist/Public Affairs Analyst.
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Benue Killings: Tiv Youths Give Politicians, Governments 90-Day Ultimatum
The Tiv Youths Organisation (TYO), Worldwide, has issued a 90-day ultimatum to political aspirants across all parties and to governments at the local, state and federal levels to put an end to the ongoing killings by suspected herdsmen in Benue State.
The warning was issued by the Acting President General of the organisation, Comrade Patrick Terfa Angbagh, amid continued attacks, loss of lives and the displacement of Tiv communities. He described the situation as a clear failure of leadership and governance, stressing that the blood of Benue people must no longer be reduced to political statistics.
According to Angbagh, the Tiv people have endured prolonged suffering marked by repeated attacks, mass burials and what he described as “empty condolences.”
“The Tiv people and Benue citizens have suffered enough pain. If within the next 90 days these killings do not stop, then no aspirant—regardless of party affiliation—should expect to campaign or seek votes in Benue State ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.
The organisation warned that political ambition without a commitment to protecting human lives was unacceptable, adding that Tiv youths across the state were ready to mobilise peacefully to resist any attempt to normalise insecurity for electoral gain.
Angbagh emphasised that security should not be treated as a campaign slogan but as a constitutional responsibility. He called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve security deployment and ensure accountability among security agencies.
He also urged the Benue State Government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action, while charging local government authorities to assume responsibility for community protection and the establishment of effective early-warning systems.
The Tiv Youths Organisation cautioned that silence, indifference or political exploitation of the crisis would no longer be tolerated, warning that Benue must not be turned into a killing field ahead of future elections.
“Any aspirant who cannot defend the lives of the people has no moral right to ask for their votes,” Angbagh stated.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy, justice and the protection of Tiv ancestral lands, and called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations to join in demanding urgent action to end the killings.
“Enough is enough. Benue lives matter,” the organisation declared.
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Woro Bandits’ Attack: Kwara Gov sets up seven-person committee
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the appointment of a seven-person committee to interface with Woro community on humanitarian support that the Governor announced earlier on Thursday.
In a statement on Friday, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye said the Chairman of the Committee is Hon. Ahmed Kiwozi, a former lawmaker from Kaiama Local Government Area.
Other members are the Vice Chairman of the Local Government Council Aisha Abubakar Sadiq; Alhaji Abubakar Mora; Woro Village Head Alhaji Umar Bio Saliu; and a representative each of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP); and a representative of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government who should be a female.
The Committee, which has four weeks to carry out its assignment, will interface with the community leaders on rebuilding efforts, areas of need of the survivors, and other outstanding issues.
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Tinubu Holds High-Level APC Meeting at Presidential Villa
Fabian Apechihin
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday met with top stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to review preparations for the party’s forthcoming convention and congresses.
The closed-door meeting brought together members of the APC national leadership, state governors, and key figures from the party’s caucus in the National Assembly.
Among those present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; House of Representatives Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; Chief Whip of the House, Usman Bello Kumo; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru.
Speaking after the meeting, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, described the engagement as brief but productive, noting that it focused on aligning preparations and strengthening unity within the party ahead of the convention and congresses.
According to Yilwatda, discussions centred on deepening collaboration between the party’s national leadership, sub-national governments, the National Assembly, and the party structure. “It was a brief meeting to review our preparations for the convention and congresses and to strengthen synergy among all arms of government,” he said.
He added that the party’s rapid growth, marked by the influx of new members, governors, and lawmakers, made inclusivity a key priority. “The party is expanding every day. We are growing beyond bounds, and we want to ensure that in the process of this growth, nobody is left behind,” Yilwatda stated.
The APC chairman also praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a seasoned politician whose guidance continues to shape the party’s strategic direction. “Mr President is a very experienced politician. His advice was remarkable, and his deep understanding of the political cycle is driving the strength and expansion of the party,” he said.
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