Tinubu, Shettima, Gowon, Babangida Rally for 20-Year North Central Development Plan

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Heads of State Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and governors of the North Central states are expected to attend a two-day summit aimed at producing a 20-year economic, infrastructural and social development plan for the region.

A Historic GatheringValidViewNetwork gathered that President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Heads of State Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and governors of the North Central states are expected to attend a two-day summit aimed at producing a 20-year economic, infrastructural and social development plan for the region.

The maiden North Central Stakeholders’ Development Summit is scheduled to hold on September 14 and 15, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.

The summit is themed: “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region” . It is being organised by the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

Distinguished Guests

A statement issued on Friday by the Head of Media and Corporate Communications of the commission, Dr Makut Macham, said former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, were also expected at the summit.

Macham said the gathering would bring together political leaders, government institutions, traditional rulers, technocrats, private sector players, youth and women groups, persons with disabilities, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on a development agenda for the region.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is expected to grace the occasion as Distinguished Guest of Honour. His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will serve as Special Guest,” Macham said.

“Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Ndatsu Umaru (rtd.), former Military Governor of Kano and Kwara States, will serve as Chairman of the Occasion. His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State and Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum, will be the Chief Host. He will lead Governors of the six other North Central States and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to the Summit,” he added.

A Vision for the Future

Macham added that the keynote address would be delivered by Prof. Iorwuese Hagher, who would lead discussions on the need for a coordinated and sustainable long-term development strategy for the region.

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Speaking ahead of the summit, the Chairman of the NCDC, Cosmas Akighir, said the gathering would provide a platform for stakeholders to examine development challenges and opportunities confronting the region and chart a course for its transformation.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NCDC, Dr Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, said the summit was convened to mobilise strategic stakeholders within and outside the region towards achieving the mandate of the commission.

Tsenyil added that the proposed development plan would seek to align the region’s priorities with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and create opportunities for partnerships, investments and interventions aimed at accelerating economic growth and improving the quality of life of residents.

A Lesson for Nigerian Youths

This summit is a reminder that development requires planning. The North Central region is taking a long-term view of its future. The same politicians who ignore regional development will never allow their own children to live in underdeveloped communities.

Their children are protected.

For young Nigerians, the lesson is clear: be part of the conversation. The future of the North Central region, and Nigeria as a whole, depends on the contributions of its youth.

The same politicians who make decisions without consulting young people will never allow their own children to be excluded from such processes. Engage. Participate. Demand a seat at the table. And never forget that the future belongs to those who plan for it.