By Isaac Ukpoju
The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has opened talks with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), to explore a partnership for the rollout of key programmes under its mandate.
A statement Mr James Uloko, NCDC’s Executive Director Corporates Service, and made available to newsmen in Lafia, indicates that a management team of the Commission, led Dr Cyril Tsenyil, the Managing Director, visited the German agency on Thursday in Abuja.
The Managing Director was represented Prof. Mohammed Nuhu, the Executive Director, Finance of the Commission during the visit
He said that the Commission was laying the foundation for its operations and considered it critical to build strong collaborations with credible development institutions such as GIZ.
He noted that GIZ had been known for its long-standing support to development initiatives in Nigeria and other countries.
Tsenyil said that the NCDC was established under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to fast-track development across the North Central region.
He highlighted the areas of emphasis to include agriculture, mineral development, infrastructure, renewable energy, peace building, entrepreneurship, and empowerment of youth and women.
He maintained that a partnership with GIZ would enhance the Commission’s institutional capacity and strengthen interventions geared toward job creation, economic growth and addressing security challenges in the region.
Others members of the delegation included Mr James Uloko, the Executive Director Corporate Services; Princess Atika Ajanah, Executive Director Projects; and Hajiya Aishatu Ibrahim, Executive Director Commercial and Industrial Development.
Ms Kikelomo Collins-Chibeze, Head of Component, Policy Strategy and Dialogue in the agency, received the delegation at the Sustainable Economic Development Cluster (SEDEC) Centre.
She described the establishment of the NCDC as timely and capable of transforming the livelihoods of residents of the North Central zone.
Collins-Chibeze said that GIZ was already implementing programmes in Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in areas including peace and security, entrepreneurship, sustainable economic growth, youth empowerment and job creation.
Other officials of GIZ made presentations on thematic areas that could serve as entry points for collaboration, particularly in upcoming projects.
The GIZ team expressed readiness to deepen discussions toward firming up the emerging partnership. (NAN)