The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has charged the leadership of the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC) to embrace teamwork as a core strategy to achieve the Commission’s mandate. Akume made this call while receiving a delegation of the newly appointed NCDC Board members, led by Chairman Barrister Cosmas Akighir, during a courtesy visit in Abuja.
In his address, Senator Akume emphasized that progress at the NCDC will depend largely on the Board’s ability to function as a united team. He stressed that no member, regardless of status or experience, can succeed alone. Instead, he called for shared vision, mutual respect, and collaborative leadership.
“It is what you decide to do as a team that will shape the Commission,” Akume declared. “Work as a team and the result will be spectacular. I want to emphasise the need for teamwork—work as a team and the sky will be your limit.”
The SGF noted that Nigeria expects the Commission to fast-track development in the North-Central zone, a region that has long needed tailored interventions to address both economic and social disparities. He reminded the Board members that the Commission’s role goes beyond policy paperwork and high-level meetings. It includes concrete actions that transform communities, improve livelihoods, and restore public trust in governance.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a vibrant, experienced Board to steer the affairs of the new Commission, Akume expressed confidence in their ability to deliver. However, he quickly added that technical capacity must go hand-in-hand with unity of purpose. “The mandate you carry is heavy, but achievable—if you commit to working together,” he stated.
He encouraged the Board to remain focused on service delivery, not personal ambition. According to him, the Commission cannot afford internal divisions or political distractions. He urged them to embrace regular consultations, open communication, and joint decision-making in all aspects of the Commission’s work.
Senator Akume also assured the delegation of the Federal Government’s full support, especially under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks balanced development across all regions of the country. He pledged to support the Commission’s initiatives aimed at job creation, poverty reduction, infrastructure upgrade, and social inclusion in the North-Central zone.
In his response, Chairman of the NCDC Board, Barrister Cosmas Akighir, thanked the SGF for the warm reception and valuable guidance. He affirmed the Board’s readiness to operate with unity, transparency, and a shared passion for service. Akighir also pledged that the NCDC will work closely with local communities, state governments, and other development partners to accelerate growth in the region.
With this charge from the SGF, the stage is now set for the NCDC to begin its journey toward transforming the North-Central into a zone of opportunity, stability, and sustainable development. But success, as Akume noted, will depend not on individual brilliance, but on collective effort and the strength of a shared
