The North Central Youth Council (NCYC) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support the establishment of North Central Development Commission (NCDC) by expeditiously assenting to the bill creating the commission into law when passed by the National Assembly.
NCYC President, Sunday Asuku made the call on in Abuja during the inauguration of the pioneer National Executives Council, State Coordinators and Honourary Advisers under the chairmanship of Senator Philip Aduda, Senate Minority Leader of the 9th Assembly.
Asuku also called for the adoption of a North Central Security Outfit to address the security challenges being faced in the region, including the farmers/herders clashes impacting negatively on its food production capabilities.
He said: “In the same spirit, we earnestly appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lend his support to the North Central Development Commission Bill.
“This commission is essential to addressing the unique developmental needs of our region and providing the framework necessary to accelerate our growth and stability.
“We also urge our Governors and Stakeholders to rally together, united in their commitment to this cause, to ensure that the President lends his consent to the establishment of North Central Development Commission (NCDC).”
The NCYC President lamented the problem of insecurity within the North Central geopolitical zone, insisting that addressing the security challenges remained paramount.
He said: “We strongly believe that adopting a North Central Security Outfit will greatly enhance the effectiveness of our security strategies. By establishing a dedicated security presence, we can better protect our communities and make significant strides toward eradicating insecurity within the region.”
Asuku added that this would also drastically curb the menace of tribal and ethnic war as it has been practiced in other regions with proven track records and positive results, and that North Central should not be an exemption.
He, however, commended the governors and security agencies across the North Central region for their ongoing efforts in addressing the security challenges that have plagued the communities.
“Their commitment have led to a significant reduction in insecurity, bringing relief to our people. We urge these agencies to continue in their mission with even greater intensity, working towards a time when peace and safety are the hallmarks of our region,” he said.
The North Central youths applauded President Tinubu for approving the proposed Youth Confab initiative, saying this would provide a critical platform for young people to engage in dialogue, share ideas, and contribute meaningfully to issues of national importance.
They noted that the initiative embodies a new chapter for the youth of Nigeria, and “we are inspired to support this vision with all our energy and resolve.”
The youths lauded the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for his leadership role and fatherly figure to the entire youth in the region regardless of their tribe, religion or political affiliation.
According to them, Akume has demonstrated immense capacity by empowering and sensitising youth and always opening their eyes and minds to the prospects of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
They said: “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued dedication to the youth of this nation. The appointment of one of our own as the Minister for Youth Development in the person of Comrade Ayodele Olawande has further demonstrated his continuous confidence in the capabilities of young Nigerians and also reinforces his vision of a nation where youth play a central role in governance and national development.”
