Pays homage to Gindiri
The newly appointed Board Member of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), representing Plateau State, Dr. Barr. Umar Mantu, has commenced his post-appointment engagements with a symbolic and heartfelt visit to his hometown, Gindiri, in Mangu Local Government Area.
In a show of humility and deep-rooted cultural values, Dr. Mantu’s first official act was to visit the Hakimi Palace in Gindiri District, where he sought prayers and blessings from traditional rulers and his people. The visit, he said, was a deliberate step to show appreciation to his roots and receive spiritual and communal backing before assuming his duties in the newly created commission.
“This is home, and before I go anywhere else or step into the office, I must return to seek the blessings of my people. That is the foundation I want to build upon,” Dr. Mantu said during the palace visit.
Dr. Mantu expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his appointment, describing it as a sign of the President’s commitment to the development of Plateau State and the entire North Central region. He lauded the creation of the NCDC as a visionary move aimed at accelerating socio-economic progress in the region.
“President Tinubu’s creation of the North Central Development Commission is not only historic but a clear reflection of his belief in the potential of our region. I am deeply honored to be part of this mandate,” he said.
He also extended his appreciation to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, under whom he served. Dr. Mantu highlighted that his experience working closely with Prof. Yilwatda revealed his commitment to transparency, good governance, and impactful service delivery, qualities he pledged to uphold in his new role.
“Serving under Prof. Yilwatda gave me a firsthand understanding of strategic governance. His passion for transparent and efficient leadership is contagious, and I plan to carry that same energy into my role as Board Chairman,” he added.
Dr. Mantu also thanked the National Assembly for the successful passage of the bill establishing the NCDC, describing it as a demonstration of their commitment to a people-centred development approach. He emphasized that such legislative backing provides the necessary framework for lasting socio-economic transformation in the North Central region.
Following his visit to the palace, Dr. Mantu hosted a warm reception with APC stakeholders and party loyalists in the Pyem Chiefdom, reinforcing the saying that “charity begins at home.” The event served as both a celebration and a call for unity as he embarked on this new journey.
In the coming days, Dr. Mantu is expected to extend his courtesy visits and engagements to other parts of Plateau State, strengthening relationships and fostering collaboration for the success of the commission’s mandate.
The North Central Development Commission was recently established by the Federal Government to address developmental challenges and unlock economic opportunities across the North Central geopolitical zone, which includes Plateau, Benue, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa States, and the Federal Capital Territory.