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NORTH CENTRAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: A NEW DAWN FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF A REGION IN NEED

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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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Suwaiba Said Ahmad has announced that the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions will be the final one to be hosted by the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Is-haq Oloyede.

Speaking during the meeting held in Abuja on Monday, the minister praised Oloyede for his decade-long leadership of JAMB, describing his tenure as transformational.

“This is the last policy meeting you will be holding. He has been here for ten years. He has done a lot of good things. Ten years is a long time but he is not tired,” she said.

“Notwithstanding, we thank you very much. Definitely, you are not tired. We will just give you a resting period to relax a bit and then we will just call you back.”

Oloyede was appointed JAMB Registrar on August 9, 2016, and is widely credited with reforming the board’s operations and financial system within a few years of assuming office.

Under his leadership, JAMB’s remittances to the Federal Government increased significantly. While the board reportedly remitted less than N50 million between 1978 and 2016, it generated and remitted N7.8 billion in 2017 alone.

Between 2016 and 2026, JAMB reportedly remitted N20.7 billion in operating surplus while also funding infrastructure and staff development projects through internally generated revenue.

The improved financial performance also enabled the Federal Government to reduce application fees for tertiary institution admissions by 30 percent.

Before joining JAMB, Oloyede served as Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin from 2007 to 2012. He also chaired both the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities and the Committee of Vice-Chancellors between 2011 and 2012.

A professor of Islamic Studies since 1995, Oloyede has published nearly 100 academic papers and attended several international conferences.

His contributions to public service and education have earned him several honours, including the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2014, the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2022, the National Productivity Order of Merit Award in 2019, and the Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service in the Education category in 2022.

Oloyede, who is 71 years old, is married and has four adult children and grandchildren.

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Hyacinth Alia has congratulated the James Iorzua Ayatse on the occasion of his 79th birthday anniversary.

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By: Fabian Apechihin

In a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Alia described the Tor Tiv as a respected traditional ruler, scholar, statesman, and patriot whose wisdom, courage, and dedication to peace, justice, and the preservation of Tiv cultural heritage continue to inspire people across Benue State and beyond.

The governor praised the monarch for his fatherly role in promoting unity, peaceful coexistence, and constructive dialogue among the various ethnic groups in the state.

He also noted that the Tor Tiv, also known as the Begha U Tiv, has continued to uphold the dignity and honour of the traditional institution through exemplary leadership and service.

Governor Alia further prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the royal father, asking for more years of good health, strength, wisdom, and grace as he continues to provide leadership to the Tiv Kingdom and the Benue State traditional institution.

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The official vehicle of Sesoo Gboko has reportedly been snatched by armed men in Abuja.

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By: Fabian Apechihin

In a statement released by the lawmaker’s Senior Legislative Aide, Bem Adzaagee, the incident occurred around the Gudu area of the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the statement, the yet-to-be-identified gunmen forced the lawmaker’s driver to hand over the vehicle while he was parking at a public location in the area.

“The gunmen compelled the Honourable Member’s driver to surrender the vehicle to them as he parked at the car park of a public place in the Gudu area of the Federal Capital Territory and was making his way into the premises,” the statement read.

It added that the driver had just returned from an errand and had gone to pick up the lawmaker, who was attending meetings at the location.

Adzaagee confirmed that neither the driver nor anyone else at the scene was harmed during the incident.

He also praised the prompt response of security agencies, stating that efforts were already underway to track down the stolen vehicle and apprehend those responsible.

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