By Abdulateeef Bamgbose
Lawal Abdullahi Yakawada, the Chairman of the North west Development Commission , NWDC, has called on Development agencies in Nigeria to work in collaboration for the speedy development of Nigeria and foster Unity among the various geographical zones.
The pioneer Chairman of the newly established North West Development Commission, MWDC , made the call in Abuja on Monday, during the inauguration of the North West Development Commission and the South East Development Commission by the Minister of Regional Planing, Abubakar Momoh.
According to him, “I am sure that the South-east, the North-west and all other geographical zones are clamouring for speedy development of the nation, we will collaborate among ourselves, not only North-west , we will extend our hands of partnership with South West , South East and other zones , so that we can have common model of long term developmental programme, so that we will not be operating in isolation from zone to zone”.
” There must be connectivity in certain things that will bring about speedy national development”
While assuring the federal Government of the commitments of the appointed members of the Commissions, he applauded the selections of the MD, s and CEOs saying , they will do their best to succeed.
” We will do our best to succeed, the MDs and the CEOs are qualified enough and I will help you in given them policy directions. I have the feeling we will do our best before coming to you, before going to the senate and ultimately before going to God”
” So, we put our trust in God , we will work hard not only to develop our zones but to develop Nigeria to bring peace , unity and progress”.
The former Commissioner for Agriculture in Kaduna State lamented that the North West which is known for its stride in Agriculture is today under threat as a result of insecurity in the zone.
While expressing optimisms to work with elders and relevance agencies to curb the menace he said
” Nobody will contest the fact that the North-west is backward in education.
The North-west provides 95% of the food we eat in Nigeria, but the insecurity is taking it back, our schools are not working because of security challenges. We will collaborate with the National Assembly, the security and relevant agencies to succeed”, he said
The former Commissioner expressed optimism that with the collaborations with the South east commission should foster the needed unity and peace, lamenting that the North-East has a long history of collaborations in many areas wondering what has gone wrong.
” Let us use regionalism to make Nigeria better, God’s willing Nigeria will always remain one “
