News
February 19, 2025 by
Tony Akowe, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has charged the pioneer board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) to deliver on their mandate, emphasizing that the entire region will closely monitor their progress.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday while receiving members of the board, led by Chairman Suleiman Abdullahi Yakawada, Abbas assured them of the full support of the House and the National Assembly to ensure their success.
He stressed that lawmakers have “high expectations” for the commission’s performance, stating, “We will be putting a keen eye to see how you people are faring.”
Describing the meeting as historic, Abbas reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to doing “everything humanly possible” to support the commission at this critical time.
Read Also: Court declines Anyanwu’s request to stop INEC from dealing with PDP without him
“Never ever in the history of Nigeria and the North West have we found ourselves in this current situation. The zone is bedevilled with many challenges: from insurgency to banditry to unemployment to drug-related issues and many others. If you look at the statistics, you find out that the North West is the worst hit.”
He said the choice of the pioneer board and management of the commission was not by accident, noting, “It is because you are all qualified, and North West and Nigeria in general are eagerly awaiting you for a solid foundation. Whatever you sow today will be what the agency will become tomorrow and beyond.
“So, it’s imperative to implore you all to please give your very best. Sow a solid foundation that subsequent boards will take over a commission that is truly interventionist in nature. That is the role that we expect you to play; to intervene and identify critical gaps.
“We will always be supportive to you. These agencies are creations of the National Assembly, not only by way of parliamentary bills but also by the initiative to create them. It’s our baby, and as our creation, we will do everything humanly possible to ensure that it succeeds.
“You have our support and prayers,” Speaker Abbas said.
Chairman of the NWDC board and former. Secretary to the Kaduna state government, Alhaji Lawal Samaila Yakawada said the visit was to thank the Speaker for his efforts in the establishment of the commission and ensuring its speedy take off.
“We are here to assure you that we are not going to disappoint you. We also want to assure you that we will meet the demands and expectations for the creation of the commission.
“We assure you that we will be accountable and transparent, and we will achieve the target set for us. Lastly, it’s to assure you that intermittently, we will request that you give us audience for deep discussions and advice,” he said.
The NWDC board chairman was in the company of the Managing Director of the Commission, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji and other members of the board representing the seven states of the North West and the six geopolitical zones.