The North Central Youth Assembly (NCYA) has commended the Nigerian Senate for confirming Cyril Tsenyil as the Managing Director of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), describing the move as a defining moment for inclusive governance and strategic investment in the region’s future.
In a statement issued Tuesday by its president, Gideon Unazi, the group praised the upper legislative chamber for what it called “a historic and patriotic endorsement” of a Commission that symbolises hope for millions of citizens in the region long affected by insecurity, infrastructural decay, and systemic neglect.
“We commend the Senate for acting with speed, maturity and an uncommon sense of duty. By confirming Mr. Cyril Tsenyil as the pioneer Managing Director of the North Central Development Commission, they have not only honoured a critical national promise, but they have elevated the hopes of an entire region,” Unazi said.
He said Tsenyil’s appointment signals the beginning of a transformative journey for the North Central zone, and described him as a steady, competent leader whose commitment to service is deeply rooted in the grassroots.
“This is not just an appointment; it is a statement about the kind of future we want — one that is defined by capacity, integrity, and regional inclusion,” Unazi added.
Describing Tsenyil as “eminently qualified and remarkably grounded,” the youth group said his track record in public service, development programming, and community engagement stands as evidence of his readiness to hit the ground running.
Unazi said the region is fortunate to have a Managing Director who understands the terrain — both in terms of geography and governance dynamics.
“Mr. Tsenyil is not a stranger to the challenges of the North Central. He is a product of the region, familiar with its pulse, its people, and its potential. His competence, humility, and drive for impact make him the right man to lead this Commission into relevance and result,” he said.
The NCYA also expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the NCDC Establishment Bill into law and nominating individuals with what it described as “a clear understanding of regional complexities, development priorities, and national cohesion.”
“President Tinubu has demonstrated through action, not just words, that no region should be left behind. By assenting to the NCDC Act and nominating Mr. Tsenyil and others, he has reaffirmed his commitment to unity through equity,” Unazi said.
“North Central Nigeria has been battered by conflict, overlooked by national plans, and marginalised in development conversations for too long. But today, a new chapter begins. And for that, we thank Mr. President.”
According to the group, the mandate of the Commission goes beyond rebuilding infrastructure. It is about rebuilding lives, dignity, and opportunities in communities where displacement and deprivation have become generational burdens.
“We believe Mr. Tsenyil understands the magnitude of the assignment. He must now steer the NCDC toward becoming a bold engine of regeneration — from Nasarawa to Niger, from Plateau to Benue,” Unazi stated.
“We need a Commission that breathes in the villages, towns, and IDP camps of the North Central. That is the vision we expect Mr. Tsenyil to champion.”
Unazi said the North Central Youth Assembly would continue to serve as a watchdog and civic partner, offering both support and scrutiny as the Commission begins its operations.
“We will stand with the Commission when it works for the people, and we will raise our voices when it forgets its purpose. Mr. Tsenyil must know that this is a sacred trust, not just a public appointment.”
Also confirmed during the Senate session was Cosmas Akyhir, who will serve as Chairman of the Commission. Seventeen others were appointed as Executive Directors, representing the six North Central states and other zones of the country.
The newly confirmed Executive Directors include: James Abel Uloko (Benue), Princess Atika Ajanah – Projects (Kogi), Bilgis Jumoke Sanni (Kwara), Aishatu Rujui Ibrahim (Nasarawa), Muhammad Bashar (Niger), Dauda Shuaibu Kigbu (Nasarawa), Zakari Haliru Jikantoro (Niger), Sulaiman Buka Ali (Kogi), Bunmi Olusona (Kwara), Umar Ibrahim Mantu (Plateau), Atotse Abraham (Benue), Solomon Adodo (FCT), Abdulkadir S. Usman (North-West), Habu Maman (North-East), Atinuke Owolabi (South-West), Rachael Kufre Nse (South-South), and Chief Boniface Izziogu (South-East).
Unazi said the broad-based composition of the Commission is a welcome development and urged all members to put regional development above politics.
“The diversity of this board shows readiness to serve every corner of this country — but especially the North Central, where the wounds are deep and the needs urgent. From Guma to Jos East, from Mokwa to Karu, our people want results,” he said.
The NCYA president called on Tsenyil and the other confirmed officials to adopt a citizen-first approach, pledging to support policies that prioritize inclusive development, local empowerment, and transparent governance.
“We expect the Commission to be present in places where suffering is most visible — in the hunger of farmers displaced by violence, in the silence of children without schools, and in the pain of mothers walking hours for healthcare,” Unazi said.
He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for what he called a bold and just intervention.
“Mr. President, we say thank you. With this Commission, you have offered the North Central not just a platform, but a lifeline. May this mark the beginning of a new season of peace, prosperity, and progress for our people,” Unazi added.
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