By Mark Longyen
The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, says the creation of regional development commissions across the country is a critical milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment toward ensuring a balance, inclusive and sustainable development in the country.
Momoh made this known at the inauguration of the commission’s managements and boards on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the newly established regional commissions are those of the North-Central, South-West, and South-South.
He said the aim of establishing the commissions was to provide and improve on the infrastructural facilities and address regional disparities.
The minister added that the commissions were also created to promote economic growth and improve the quality of life for the citizens.
He charged the inaugurated officials to also work toward improving security in their respective regions.
Momoh urged them to also work toward ensuring that all projects were need-driven, adding that they should carry along all stakeholders on all initiatives.
He also challenged them to ensure the prudent use of the funds allocated to them while executing their projects.
“This event marks a critical milestone in the collective commitment to further balance sustainable and inclusive development across all regions of the nation.
“It is now your duty to ensure that the commissions operate efficiently and deliver practical results to the people.
“It is crucial that the commissions align their programmes with the priority areas of the president’s renewed hope agenda,” Momoh said.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the ministry, Uba Ahmadu, said the occasion marked another significant step in the ministry’s shared effort to promote inclusive growth, regional development and national unity.
Ahmadu noted that the establishment of the commissions was more than just a move towards political correctness, but a strategic move by President Bola Tinubu to accelerate development in all the geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
“The mandate of these commissions is very clear – to act as catalysts for infrastructural renewal, social empowerment, and economic diversification with the people.
“They act as drivers of peace, stability, and sustainable development by tackling specific challenges, coordinating projects, and mobilising stakeholders towards shared progress.
“As governing board members, you have been entrusted with a sacred duty. You are the custodians of the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerians in your regions,” he said.
According to him, the responsibility before the inaugurated personnel is to ensure the best use of resources, promote transparency and accountability, and align them all with Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
He also urged them to approach their tasks with vision, integrity and dedication, collaborate closely with departments, agencies, and governors, build strong partnerships with the private sector and development partners.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged the commissions to ensure that women were included in the delivery of their programmes, noting that women in the region constituted 50 per cent of its total population.
“We all are aware that in all of the regions, women are over 50 per cent. So, I would like to advocate for gender mainstreaming the delivery of your programmes,” she said.
The Chairman, SWDC, Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity given to them to serve the people of the region.
He pledged to abide by the oath of office, as well as collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.
