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Tinubu Appoints Yiltsen from Plateau as Pioneer MD for North Central Development Commission

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In a move signaling a significant milestone for regional development in Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Tsenyil Cyril Yiltsen from Plateau State as the pioneer Managing Director of the newly established North Central Development Commission (NCDC). The appointment is subject to the confirmation of the Nigerian Senate, according to a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday.

The North Central Development Commission was created to address the infrastructural deficit, socioeconomic imbalance, and long-standing development challenges faced by states in the North Central geopolitical zone. These include Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A Regional Leader at the Helm

Tsenyil Cyril Yiltsen’s selection as the pioneer Managing Director is being lauded as a strategic choice given his roots in Plateau and his reputed experience in regional planning and governance. With years of service in both public and private sectors, Yiltsen is expected to bring vision and coordination to the commission as it sets its development agenda.

Leadership Team Reflects Zonal Diversity

Alongside Yiltsen, President Tinubu also announced other board members, drawing representatives from across the North Central zone to ensure balanced representation:

Cosmas Akiyir from Benue State will serve as the Board Chairman.

James Abel Uloko (Benue) has been nominated as Executive Director.

Princess Atika Ajanah (Kogi) is appointed Executive Director, Projects.

Hajia Bilgis Jumoke Sanni (Kwara) will serve as Executive Director.

Hajia Aishatu Rufai-Ibrahim (Nasarawa) takes a similar role as Executive Director.

Muhammad Bashar (Niger) is also appointed Executive Director.

This inclusive composition underscores the administration’s intention to ensure that all states within the region have a voice in the planning and execution of development programs.

Mandate and Expectations

The NCDC is modeled after other regional commissions such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC). Its mandate includes addressing infrastructural decay, promoting human capital development, resettling displaced communities, improving access to healthcare and education, and stimulating economic growth.

Analysts note that the challenges facing the North Central region—ranging from insecurity and poor rural infrastructure to the effects of climate change on agriculture—require an institution with both capacity and autonomy. With its inauguration, expectations are high that the NCDC will help harmonize federal and state development plans and accelerate impactful projects.

Political and Public Reactions

Initial reactions from stakeholders across the North Central region have been mostly positive. Civil society groups and political leaders have commended the federal government’s commitment to equitable development, while urging the Senate to expedite the confirmation process to enable the commission begin operations promptly.

Observers, however, also stress the need for transparency, accountability, and community engagement as key pillars for the commission’s success. As one political analyst put it, “The success of the NCDC will not just lie in its funding but in the ability of its leadership to build trust and deliver measurable results.”

Conclusion

With the appointment of Tsenyil Cyril Yiltsen and a strong team of directors, the North Central Development Commission is now poised to begin its work. As the region watches closely, the coming months will be crucial in laying the groundwork for what could become a transformative institution for millions of Nigerians in the heart of the country.

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Newly Married Liverpool Striker Diogo Jota Dies at 28

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The football world is in deep mourning following the sudden passing of Diogo Jota, star striker for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team. He was just 28 years old.

Jota lost his life in a tragic road incident in Spain alongside his younger brother in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025.

The devastating news comes less than two weeks after his wedding to his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, which took place on June 22, 2025. The couple shared three children and had just begun a new chapter together.

Since joining Liverpool in 2020, Jota became a fan favorite for his sharp instincts, energy, and goal-scoring brilliance. He also proudly represented Portugal on the international stage, winning hearts with his commitment and character.

This is a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, teammates, and the entire football community.

Rest in peace, Diogo Jota.
You will never walk alone. ❤️

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Tinubu Appoints Grace Henry as First Female Chair of Nigerian Legion

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Grace Henry as the new chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, marking a historic first as both the first woman and the first non-commissioned officer to lead the country’s foremost veterans’ organization.

The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja via a statement by Abdul Lauya, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications to the chairman.

According to the statement, Henry’s appointment was formalized through a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and takes effect from June 7.

Born on October 5, 1964, Henry brings with her over 25 years of military and administrative experience. She retired from the Nigerian Army in 2000 and most recently served as Director of Corporate Affairs at the Legion’s headquarters in Abuja. She is also the current National Coordinator for Female Military Veterans of Nigeria.

She succeeds retired Major General AbdulMalik Jibrin. Her appointment is widely seen as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion and equal representation within the military veterans’ community.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in her leadership and urged her to leverage her experience to reposition the Nigerian Legion, which serves as a vital support system for the nation’s ex-servicemen and women.

Her appointment is expected to usher in a new era of reforms and revitalization for the Legion amid growing calls for improved veteran welfare and institutional development.

The Nigerian Legion, a statutory body established to support the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents, plays a critical role in the rehabilitation, reintegration, and economic empowerment of military veterans. It also promotes national unity through remembrance events such as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day and collaborates with various agencies to uphold the dignity of retired military personnel.

In response to certain media reports describing her as “one of the most powerful non-commissioned ex-service personnel,” Henry distanced herself from the characterization.

“She wishes to make it clear that leadership is not about grandstanding or media posturing,” Lauya stated. “There is no such thing as being ‘most powerful’ under her leadership.”

Henry emphasized that the Legion remains a unified body, representing all veterans—commissioned and non-commissioned—without bias or division. She condemned any effort to create artificial hierarchies within the organization and called on the media to refrain from spreading unverified claims.

“She remains committed to the principles of unity, service, and integrity,” the statement added. “Ms. Grace Morenike Henry belongs to all and to none in particular. Her mission is to serve all Nigerian veterans equally and selflessly.”

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Former Kwara Governor Cornelius Adebayo Dies at 84

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Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, a former governor of Kwara State and one-time senator, has died at the age of 84.

Lagos Lately TV confirmed his passing through a close family associate, who disclosed that Adebayo died early Wednesday morning in Abuja.

Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja, Kwara State, Adebayo’s political journey began with his election as senator under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in 1979. He later served briefly as the state’s governor in 1983. Between 2003 and 2006, he held the position of Nigeria’s Minister of Communications.

A respected advocate for democracy, Adebayo was a leading voice in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which pushed for the actualization of MKO Abiola’s June 12, 1993 presidential mandate. Notably, he declined an appointment to serve in General Sani Abacha’s military government in 1993, standing firm in his democratic convictions.

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