Rachel Kufre Nse Joins NCDC Board: A Bridge for Inclusivity

History was made on Thursday, August 28, 2025, when Hon. Rachel Kufre Nse was inaugurated as the South-South representative on the Board of the newly established North Central Development Commission (NCDC). The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja and presided over by the Minister for regional development-  Abubakar Momoh, was not just another government formality. It was a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey toward inclusive development and gender-balanced governance.

For Hon. Nse, this appointment represents more than a personal career milestone, it is a national call to service. Her record of engagement in governance and public service has been nothing short of inspiring. She has served on the Governing Council of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, and currently sits on the Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Mubi. Her legislative experience as a close aide to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has equally positioned her at the heart of Nigeria’s lawmaking processes. These roles have given her an insider’s understanding of policy formulation, institutional management, and governance dynamics, tools she now brings into her new mandate at the NCDC.

The NCDC itself was created to address the peculiar developmental challenges of the North Central states, challenges that include insecurity, infrastructure deficits, displacements, and economic stagnation. As a pioneer board member, Hon. Nse steps into an institution carrying the high hopes of rebuilding broken communities, revitalizing agriculture, creating opportunities for women and youths, and fostering national cohesion.

Her appointment is significant on three fronts.

First, it embodies the principle of cross-regional inclusivity. Appointing a South-South representative to a commission focused on the North Central is a clear signal that development is a collective responsibility, not a sectional pursuit. It reinforces the federal government’s determination to build bridges across regions and promote national unity.

Second, it strengthens the place of women in governance. In a political landscape still dominated by men, Hon. Nse’s emergence on the NCDC board is a breath of fresh air. She stands as a visible example that women can and should sit at the table where decisions shaping Nigeria’s development are made. Her journey is likely to inspire younger women to see governance not as a closed space, but as a platform where their voices and expertise are needed.

Third, her presence brings legislative-executive synergy to the Commission. Having worked closely with the Senate President, she understands the inner workings of the National Assembly and can help bridge institutional gaps. This experience will be vital in ensuring that the NCDC secures both the policy support and the funding it requires to succeed.

But with great opportunity comes significant responsibility. The Commission has, even before its first steps, been met with skepticism. Nigerians are wary of the fate of similar regional commissions, often criticized for bureaucracy, politicization, and slow delivery of projects. Hon. Nse’s challenge will be to ensure her tenure reflects tangible impact, not just ceremonial symbolism. Stakeholders will look to her to champion accountability, transparency, and innovative solutions that address the real needs of communities.

Still, optimism remains high. Her strong background, coupled with her track record of service, has built confidence that she will not merely occupy a seat but actively shape outcomes. For the North Central, her perspectives bring fresh insights that can enrich strategies for community rebuilding and empowerment. For the South-South, her role is a chance to demonstrate how experiences from one region can contribute to the progress of another. And for Nigerian women, her appointment is a victory – an affirmation that their place is in leadership, not on the sidelines.

As the pioneer board of the NCDC begins its journey, Hon. Rachel Kufre Nse stands as both a representative and a symbol of inclusivity, of gender advancement, and of Nigeria’s quest for a more united and equitable future. Her success will not only be measured by projects delivered but also by the precedent she sets for how commissions like the NCDC can function as true engines of national development.

If she succeeds, her story will not just be one of personal achievement but a blueprint of hope for women, for regions, and for the dream of a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria.