Senator George Akume has urged members of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to champion rapid, united progress.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation made this appeal during an official ceremony held in Abuja.
He presented appointment letters to the newly named members of the commission at the event.
Akume stressed that Nigeria’s development depends heavily on how regions transform their unique potentials into measurable outcomes.
He reminded the team that President Bola Tinubu considers national development a top priority.
This focus on progress, he noted, informed the creation of the regional development commissions nationwide.
These commissions, now overseen by the Ministry of Regional Development, aim to bring change closer to communities.
Akume described the NCDC as an opportunity to correct years of underinvestment across the North Central zone.
He encouraged both the council and the management team to work with shared purpose and unbroken cooperation.
According to him, real impact depends on clear vision, unity, execution speed, and public accountability.
The North Central region, he said, needs urgent investment in roads, schools, energy, agriculture, and rural industry.
He charged the commission to map development priorities with community participation and realistic timelines.
Akume stated that public expectations are high and time for excuses is over.
He warned that no room exists for delays, political interference, or uncoordinated project planning.
The SGF emphasized the need for cooperation with state governments, local councils, and traditional institutions.
He described local knowledge as vital to delivering results that match community needs and regional realities.
He reminded the appointees that development must be people-focused and free from unnecessary bureaucracy.
According to him, the commission will be judged by outcomes, not intentions or meetings.
Akume said the presidency will continue to monitor the commission’s progress and provide required support.
He encouraged the new team to work with development partners and think beyond routine government interventions.
He urged them to introduce innovation, embrace digital tools, and ensure transparency in project execution.
Members of the commission expressed their readiness to begin work immediately and meet expectations.
They promised to promote inclusive policies and development models that engage women, youths, and rural communities.
Some highlighted the region’s economic potential, urging strategic investment in transportation, security, and small-scale manufacturing.
Others called for new thinking on how to retain talent and expand technical education across the states.
Attendees praised President Tinubu for decentralizing development through region-specific structures.
Many saw the move as a necessary shift from outdated, one-size-fits-all national policies.
They also described Akume’s message as timely, clear, and aligned with urgent development goals.
As the session ended, the atmosphere was one of renewed energy and shared responsibility.
The new appointees pledged to operate with integrity, speed, and openness.
Akume reminded them once again that Nigeria needs solutions now, not later.
He closed with a strong message: transform the region or risk betraying the people’s hope.
