A 20-year development blueprint for the North Central region is set to be unveiled in Abuja as key political leaders, former Heads of State, traditional rulers and development experts converge for a major stakeholders’ summit.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to lead the gathering, while Vice President Kashim Shettima will attend as special guest of honour.
The maiden two-day North Central Stakeholders’ Development Summit, beginning September 14, is themed, “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region”.
The North Central Development Commission says the summit is aimed at replacing fragmented interventions with a coordinated strategy for economic growth, infrastructure, investment and social inclusion.
Former Heads of State Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar will attend as Fathers of the Day.
Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Ndatsu Umaru (rtd) will chair the occasion, while Nasarawa State Governor and Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum, Abdullahi Sule, will serve as chief host alongside his six counterparts and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
NCDC Chairman, Cosmas Akighir, said the summit would enable stakeholders to “collectively examine the development challenges and opportunities confronting the region, and chart a new course for its holistic transformation”.
The commission’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, stressed that achieving meaningful development would require broad collaboration.
“Transforming the North Central region cannot be achieved by government alone. We need strong collaboration among governments at all levels, the private sector, development partners, communities and other stakeholders”, Tsenyil stressed.
The summit will feature panel discussions, technical and breakout sessions, and strategic meetings, with organisers expecting concrete recommendations for the region’s long-term development.
The proposed blueprint seeks to position North Central as a major centre for economic growth, infrastructure, investment, innovation and social development.
