The North Central Reformed Youth Assembly (NCRYA) on Saturday held its inaugural meeting in Jos, Plateau State, where it formally inaugurated its newly elected national executives and state coordinators who will drive the organization’s mandate across the North Central region.
The ceremony, held at Great Links Hotel, Gold and Base, drew youth leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders committed to enhancing youth involvement in governance and regional development.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Zachariah Sunday Diwong, described the event as a major milestone for youth across the six North Central states and the Federal Capital Territory. He noted that NCRYA was established in March 2025 following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signing of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Act.
Hon. Diwong said the Assembly is a legally registered youth movement dedicated to promoting unity, empowering young people, and supporting the implementation of the NCDC’s development agenda.
“We are here to inaugurate our state coordinators. We didn’t make it a large ceremony because of the security challenges in the country. But this step is important as we assign our coordinators the responsibilities that lie ahead,” he stated.
Representing Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Caleb Mutfwang, the Special Adviser on Youth Matters, Hon. Hitler Pwajok, commended the Assembly for its vision and assured them of the government’s support.
He applauded NCRYA’s emphasis on reform, unity, and youth empowerment, noting that the Mutfwang administration prioritizes the involvement of young people in governance.
“In this room, there is no Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, Niger or Kogi. There are only brothers and sisters united by a common goal,” he said. “The future of the North Central region depends on how well we empower the youth today.”
He urged other governors in the region to emulate Plateau State by appointing and involving young people in leadership roles, adding that societies that fail to invest in their youth risk stagnation.
Speaking after the oath of office was administered, the newly inaugurated National Chairman, Comrade Joel Anji, described NCRYA as a movement committed to reviving the identity, culture, and developmental aspirations of the North Central region.
He applauded President Tinubu for establishing the NCDC and expressed optimism that the Commission would address long-standing developmental challenges.
“We witnessed the inauguration of the NCDC in Abuja as the only youth organization that proudly displayed its flag,” he recalled. “We urge the Federal Government to provide sustained financial and operational support to ensure the Commission achieves its objectives.”
On rising insecurity in the region, Comrade Anji commended the Plateau State Government for the proactive closure of schools in response to recent security threats. He referenced recent student kidnappings in Niger and reported cases in Nasarawa, calling for stronger regional collaboration.
“You cannot pursue education if you are not alive. We support every action aimed at safeguarding students and communities,” he said.
He further urged governments in Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and the FCT to intensify efforts to protect lives and property, ensure good governance, and partner with youth groups to strengthen community resilience.
Highlighting NCRYA’s core values—integrity, unity, civic engagement, interfaith tolerance, and cultural revival—Comrade Anji announced plans for extensive engagements with traditional rulers, government officials, youth bodies, and security agencies across the region.
“One of our major priorities is rebuilding religious tolerance and ensuring that criminals are not shielded under the guise of ethnicity or religion,” he added.
The event concluded with the presentation of appointment letters to newly inducted state coordinators and executives, marking the beginning of coordinated youth-led initiatives across the North Central region.
The inauguration comes amid heightened insecurity—including student kidnappings, communal tensions, and school closures—reinforcing calls for stronger community participation, youth leadership, and regional cooperation.
