The Federal Government has charged the newly constituted Boards and Managing Directors of the Southwest, South-South and North Central Development Commissions to ensure prudence in executing projects.
The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, gave the charge at the inauguration of the boards and Managing Directors of the Commissions on Thursday in Abuja.
Momoh said that the occasion marked a critical milestone in the collective commitment to further balance sustainable and inclusive development across all regions of the nation.
He explained that the aim of establishing the commissions was to improve the infrastructure and address regional disparities, thereby promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for citizens.
The minister stressed the importance of building an improved security in all respective regions, ensuring that all projects and initiatives are need-driven and stakeholders are carried along.
“It is now your duty to ensure that the commissions operate efficiently and deliver practical results to the people.
“The commissions must align their programmes with the priority areas of the president’s renewed hope agenda,” Momoh said.
Similarly, 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; it was a strategic move by President Bola Tinubu to accelerate development in all the geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
“The mandate of these commissions is unequivocal – 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.
“The responsibility before you is that you must ensure the use of resources, promoting transparency and accountability and aligning all with the renewed hope agenda of Mr President,” he added.
He also urged them to approach their tasks with vision, integrity, and dedication; to collaborate closely with departments and agencies, governors, and to build strong partnerships with the private sector and development partners.
On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, advised the commissions to ensure women’s inclusiveness in the delivery of their programmes, saying that in all the regions, women make up over 50 per cent.
“We are all aware that in all of the regions, women are over 50 per cent. So, I would like to advocate for mainstreaming the delivery of your programmes,” she said.
In his response, the Chairman of the South West Development Commission, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the people of the region.
He pledged to uphold the oath of office and to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to achieve the desired outcomes.
