…Calls for Quarterly Stakeholders’ Engagement
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone C, has commended the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) for convening a broad stakeholders’ engagement aimed at shaping a clear development direction for the North Central region over the next 20 years.
The students’ body described the engagement as a timely and forward-looking initiative capable of producing a development plan that reflects the aspirations, realities and potential of the people of the region.
Speaking on behalf of students across the zone, the Coordinator of NANS Zone C, Comrade Abiola Azeez Babatunde, stressed the need for young people and students to remain an integral part of conversations on the future of the North Central.
He noted that the region is home to millions of young Nigerians whose energy, skills, ideas and innovation could contribute significantly to its economic and social transformation when provided with the right 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,” he said.
Also speaking, Comrade Anzaku Shedrack CNS, Head of Emergency and Disaster Management, NANS, who represented the NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde GCNS, commended the NCDC for the initiative and urged the Commission to sustain the engagement on a quarterly basis.
He assured the Commission of NANS’ support for the 20-year development roadmap, saying the students’ body was prepared to work with the NCDC in advancing the development agenda of the region.
The NANS Zone C leadership further assured the Commission of its readiness to collaborate with governments, educational institutions, organised youth bodies, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders to create meaningful opportunities for students and young people.
The association expressed confidence that sustained collaboration could help translate the region’s enormous potential into measurable development, stronger institutions and inclusive growth.
NANS Zone C therefore called for continuous engagement with the student constituency, noting that students constitute a critical demographic whose experiences, concerns and ideas should be reflected in the region’s long-term development agenda.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive advocacy, partnership and responsible representation.
Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta.
