The Middle Belt Journalists Forum (MBJF) has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the bill establishing the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) into law.
The forum praised the executive governors of the North Central geopolitical zone and the National Assembly for their concerted efforts in ensuring the bill received presidential assent, describing it as a pivotal step toward addressing the region‘s development challenges.
President Tinubu passed the bill on Thursday. Initially approved by the 10th Senate in 2024, the legislation aims to tackle infrastructure deficits, security concerns, and economic development in the North Central region.
In a statement signed by its National President, Mark Mayah, and National Secretary, Ladi Emmanuel, the MBJF hailed the president’s action as a “soothing balm“ for the region’s long-standing challenges.
“We immensely commend you for this pivotal moment in ongoing efforts to address infrastructure, security, and economic empowerment challenges.
This move will undoubtedly have a lasting positive impact,” the statement read.
The forum emphasised the significance of the NCDC, noting that it symbolises hope for communities devastated by years of insecurity and other socio-economic hardships.
“The commission‘s establishment confirms your commitment to listening to the concerns and aspirations of the region‘s people,“ the MBJF stated.
The group urged stakeholders and residents of the North Central region to support the commission‘s activities and collaborate to ensure the successful implementation of its mandate.
As advocates of the fourth estate of the realm, the MBJF pledged to provide extensive coverage of the commission’s activities and the federal government‘s development efforts in the region.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for demonstrating unwavering allegiance to the welfare of our people,“ the statement concluded.