Nigerian youth groups have commended President Bola Tinubu over the establishment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) and other regional development commissions, describing the initiative as an opportunity to accelerate development across the country.

The groups made the commendation in separate statements on the sidelines of a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the NCDC in Abuja.

The President of the Nigerian Youth Congress, Jethro Annum, and the Niger State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ambassador Abdullahi Muhammed Ishaq, who spoke on behalf of NYCN chairmen in the North Central, described the NCDC as a potential catalyst for regional development.

They said the commission’s 20-year development plan was consistent with what they described as the broader development vision of the Tinubu administration.

Similarly, the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI), in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Danesi Momoh, and the North Central Youth Mobilisation and Sensitisation (NOCYMS), led by Hon. Iorwuese Ayo Fidelis, commended the NCDC for convening the stakeholders’ engagement.

They said the forum provided an opportunity to develop a clear and sustainable development direction for the North Central region over the next 20 years.

The engagement brought together stakeholders from across the region to contribute to the development plan, with the groups describing the process as a step towards ensuring that the plan reflects the aspirations, challenges and potential of the people.

The youth leaders said the initiative was timely, stressing that young people and students should remain integral to discussions on the region’s long-term development.

They noted that the North Central is home to millions of young Nigerians whose skills, ideas and innovation could contribute to the region’s economic and social development if provided with appropriate opportunities.

“Students and young people are not only beneficiaries of development; we are also partners in building the future we desire. Any 20-year development plan for the North Central must therefore give serious attention to education, skills development, employment, entrepreneurship, technology and youth participation,” they said.

The youth representatives also pledged to work with the NCDC and other stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for students and young people across the region.

They expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among the commission, governments, educational institutions, organised youth bodies, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders could help translate the region’s potential into measurable and sustainable development.