By Disun Amosun.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has tasked the newly established North West Development Commission (NWDC) with being innovative in approaching the task of correcting the ills that have befallen the region over the years.
The Speaker said while inaugurating the Committee on the Commission at the National Assembly yesterday, also urged it to consider multiple funding sources to be able to fulfil its mandate.
Abbas described the reconstruction and development task before it as monumental and achievable if the Commission collaborates with the public and private sector, other Regional Development Associations as well as the civil society organizations in a multifaceted approach towards, reconstructing the geo-political region.
According to the Speaker, the region has over the years bore the brunt of insecurity, economic and social as well as environmental degradation, evident by widespread cases of insecurity, shut down of its once vibrant textile industry and disruption in the region’s bumper agricultural production.
He recommended a periodic review of the needs assessment of the components making up the region with a view of not losing sight of the tasks of Reconstruction, Development and Reconciliation of the over 37 million people in the region.
In his address at the inauguration ceremony, Speaker Abbas said as someone from the North-West and a legislator who was privileged to champion the House version of the bill that led to the establishment of the NWDC, “this occasion holds deep personal significance and profound meaning for me.”
He added: “It is a moment that reaffirms our obligation to promote the growth and development of our region and improve the well-being of its people.”
The Speaker then endorsed and adopted the work plan of the inaugurated House of Representatives Committee on the North-West Development Commission as enunciated by its chairman, Rep. Suleiman Abubarkar Gumi.
