NCDC Chairman Urges Support for FG, Pledges Key Interventions to Ease Hardship.
By Raymond Enoch.
The Chairman of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Barr. Cosmos Akighir, has called for increased support for the Federal Government, pledging strategic interventions across key sectors to ease hardship and drive sustainable development in Benue State and the North Central region.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service held in his honour at the NKST Church in Buruku Local Government Area, Akighir described the ongoing construction of the River Buruku Bridge as a deliberate initiative by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to expand economic opportunities, empower local communities, and alleviate poverty.
“The construction of the River Buruku Bridge is not just an infrastructure project—it is a bold step towards boosting trade, connectivity, and livelihoods across Buruku and Benue State at large,” he said.
The NCDC Chairman revealed plans to modernise the riverbank and transform it into a commercial hub for travelers, traders, and investors. He also disclosed that the Commission will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to develop a comprehensive tourism and economic development programme aimed at attracting investment, generating revenue, and opening up the region to new opportunities.
Reiterating the Commission’s commitment to grassroots development, Akighir pledged to prioritise the provision of link roads, rural electrification, and essential infrastructure across underserved communities in the area.
He urged residents to support the Federal Government’s policies and developmental agenda, emphasizing that unity and cooperation are vital to improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.
Barr. Akighir thanked the NKST Church for their prayers and support, and expressed appreciation to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, for the opportunity to serve. He called on the people to rally behind the SGF, noting that such support would be instrumental to the success of President Tinubu’s administration and his potential bid for a second term.
Following the service, the NCDC Chairman toured several communities in Buruku LGA, inspecting areas of potential intervention.
Earlier, Akighir attended a similar thanksgiving service at NKST Daudu in Guma LGA, organised by Alhaji Stephen Tsav, the North Central representative on the Governing Board of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC).
The events were attended by dignitaries, elder statesmen, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from across the region.
In a gesture of goodwill and commitment to community development, Barr. Akighir and his team donated N22.2 million to support the ongoing development of the NKST Church. He reaffirmed that his leadership at the NCDC will prioritise interventions in healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and security—sectors he described as foundational to the region’s long-term progress.
