Niger State governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has called on the North Central Development Commission NCDC to profer solutions aimed at addressing communal clashes.
A statement signed by Bologi Ibrahim Chief press secretary to the Governor said the farmer governor gave the charge when he received the management of the Commission led by its Governing Board Chairman, Barrister Cosmas Akighir at the Government House Minna.
Farmer Bago who commended the Commission for doing remarkably well, urged it to prioritise the issue of insecurity and communal clashes, especially farmer- herder clashes.
Farmer Umaru Bago also advocated a meeting of North Central Governors to provide avenue to chart a new course for the North Central Development Commission with a view to addressing peculiar issues bordering the Region.
The farmer governor said, such meeting would enable the Commission fully address some of the developmental challenges facing the Zone.
The farmer Governor also noted that the Commission has a greater role to play in the area of climate change in the State due to the recurring annual overflow from the four hydro dams in the State which has continued to ravage communities and farmlands.
Farmer Bago added that, the damages caused by such overflows is what informed the decision of the State government to demand for 13% derivation from the Federal government as the State houses the four hydro dams that generates power for the country.
Governor Bago also charged the Commission to invest heavily on agriculture and education due to the positive role they play in societal development.
He said, as an amiable partner, the State will provide NCDC with a liaison office and other logistical support needed for its smooth operations.
The Managing Director, North Central Development Commission NCDC, Cyril Tsenyil in his remarks said the Commission is committed to building a strong partnership based on the Act establishing the NCDC which includes planning and implementing of programmes for sustainable development across the north central region.
Mr. Tsenyil added that such activities covers the areas of transportation, roads, healthcare,education, agriculture, industrialization, water supply, electricity and telecommunications.
Dr Tsenyil assured of the Commission’s readiness to partner the Niger State Government in the area of insecurity to tame the menace
The Chairman, Governing Board of NCDC, Barr. Cosmas Akighir said the visit was part of plan undertaken by the commission to visit member States and introduce the leadership of the Commission in order to identify possible areas of partnership.
Dr Akighir commended the farmer Governor for the various initiatives he has taken to develop the State especially in the areas of Agriculture, infrastructure and governance .
