The Emir of Lafia and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Traditional Council, Justice Muhammad Sidi Bage I, has expressed confidence in the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), saying the commission has the potential to transform the fortunes of the region.

The traditional ruler spoke when the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NCDC, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, led a delegation of the commission on a condolence visit to his palace following the death of his brother, Alhaji Ahmed Bage, Esq.

The Emir commended Tsenyil, the commission’s management and its Governing Board for laying what he described as a solid foundation for the new commission.

He said the NCDC was undertaking a national assignment of great importance, expressing optimism that its activities would bring meaningful development to the North-Central region.

The Emir urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country and its leaders, while calling on the government to demonstrate purposeful leadership in tackling the challenges confronting the nation.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current difficulties and achieve sustainable development through purposeful leadership, collective prayers and commitment.

Earlier, Tsenyil said the delegation visited the palace to commiserate with the Emir, the bereaved family and the Nasarawa State Traditional Council over the death of Alhaji Ahmed Bage.

He said the visit was undertaken on behalf of the NCDC Governing Board and Management, describing the deceased as a great loss to the family, Nasarawa State and the commission.

According to him, Alhaji Bage was alive during the establishment and take-off of the NCDC and remained one of the voices of reason whose wise counsel and guidance the commission could rely on.

Tsenyil prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for Allah to grant the family the strength to bear the loss, noting that death was inevitable and that no one could question the will of the Almighty.

He subsequently presented a formal condolence letter to the Emir on behalf of the NCDC Board and Management.

Responding, Bage thanked the delegation for taking time from its busy schedule to visit and condole with the family.

The NCDC delegation included the Executive Director, Corporate Services, James Abel Uloko; Executive Director, Commercial and Industrial Development, Hajia Aisha Rufia Ibrahim; and other senior officials of the commission.