As they express delight over the establishment of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) by the federal government, Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have listed priority areas that require the urgent intervention of the commission.
On September 28, 2024, President Bola Tinubu submitted the names of seven inaugural governing board members of the commission to the Senate for confirmation.
This was contained in a statement signed by the president's special adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu signed the North West Development Commission Bill into law on July 24, 2024 and nominated Haruna Ginsau (Jigawa) as chairman and Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma'aji (Kano) as managing director/chief executive officer of the commission.
In an interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday, the spokesperson of NEF, Suleiman Abdulazeez, said, "I personally think Abubakar Maaji's appointment as the MD of the North West Development Commission should herald a critical opportunity for transformation in the region. With a focused strategy emphasising infrastructure, education, health, and governance, the NWDC can spearhead initiatives that will significantly enhance the socio-economic fabric of the North West."
He said the Northwest zone is characterised by its unique socio-economic challenges, including high poverty rate, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to education and health services.
"First, Maaji is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the NWDC's strategic planning. His leadership should prioritise innovative approaches to address the multifaceted issues facing the region. This includes the implementation of sustainable development programmes that enhance agricultural productivity, elevate the standard of living and foster economic diversification. Given the predominance of agriculture, initiatives that empower farmers through training, access to modern technologies and finance are imperative.
"Additionally, fostering public-private partnerships could stimulate investment in agribusiness, thus providing job opportunities and reducing youth unemployment. His tenure should focus on infrastructure development, which is essential for facilitating economic activities in the North West.
"Improving roads, electricity, and communication networks will not only support trade and commerce but also attract investments. The NWDC must prioritise projects that enhance connectivity within and beyond the region, making it easier for businesses to thrive and for citizens to access essential services.
"Another critical expectation is the emphasis on education and capacity building. The North West has one of the highest rates of educational disadvantage in Nigeria, particularly among girls. Maaji is tasked with advancing educational reforms that promote inclusivity, enhance the quality of learning, and increase enrolment rates. Collaborating with local governments, NGOs, and international organizations could yield programs aimed at providing scholarships, vocational training, and digital literacy initiatives, thus equipping the youth with tools for self-sufficiency.
"Health initiatives should also be at the forefront of Maaji's agenda because the region faces significant health challenges, including inadequate healthcare facilities and poor maternal and child health indicators.
"The NWDC should work towards improving access to healthcare services, implementing health education programmes, and strengthening community health infrastructures. This holistic approach will contribute to the wellbeing of the populace, thereby enhancing productivity and quality of life.
"Lastly, governance and accountability within the NWDC itself are paramount. Maaji must foster transparency and engage stakeholders at all levels, ensuring that the commission's activities are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the people it serves. Building trust through open communication will enhance community participation in development initiatives, ensuring that projects are tailored to local needs."
On its part, ACF through its national publicity secretary, Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, expressed happiness that the management of the commission was constituted soon after the law setting it up was signed.
He said there have been a myriad of existential problems confronting the North West including poverty, unemployment and underemployment, lack of education, skills, a large youth bulge, infrastructure, effects of widespread insecurity and especially its devastating effects on livelihoods.
"There is so much to be done. ACF wishes that the commission rolls out a blueprint with realistic objectives and reasonable timeliness for achieving the goals and objectives. In short, ACF hopes to see a difference in the lives of the population of the North West," he said.
Meanwhile, the Northwest chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed disappointment over the composition of board of directors of NWDC without a single Christian as a member.
In a statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna yesterday, the CAN chairman, North West, Elder Sunday Oibe, called on President Tinubu to reconsider the appointment of board members to include Christians because the zone has both Muslims and Christians.
Oibe said if President Tinubu fails to address the complaints, CAN would be left with no option than to seek redress before the court of heaven against his composition of the board of the directors of the commission.
He said, "We are deeply concerned about the recent appointments to the board of directors of the North West Development Commission by President Tinubu. Unfortunately, these appointments do not reflect the diversity of the region, as no Christian(s) from the seven states was selected to the board of the commission
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"We are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the appointment of board of directors into the commission by President Tinubu shows that the intention behind Muslim-Muslim ticket during the 2023 presidential election has started manifesting, otherwise how comes there is no single Christian on the board of directors of the commission as if there is no Christian faithful in the region.
"For the sake of inclusivity and fair representation, it is imperative that Christians are appointed to the commission. The current situation is unacceptable because it perpetuates marginalisation. We urge President Tinubu to reassess these appointments and make necessary adjustments to ensure balanced representation."
Meanwhile, Oibe called on all Christians in the zone to remain law-abiding and wait patiently to see whether or not President Tinubu would reverse the situation to include Christians on the board of the commission.
"If Mr President fails to address our genuine complaints, we may be left with no option than to seek redress before the court of heaven against his government's composition of the board of the directors of the commission," the statement added.
