The Numan Nasarawo Demsa Progressive Association (NUDPA) has held its second Annual General Meeting (AGM), bringing together traditional leaders, academics, security officials, and community stakeholders in a show of unity and commitment to development.
The AGM which took place at the residence of Alhaji Aliyu Samaila, the Turakin Bata, and was marked by robust discussions on poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, and security challenges facing the region.
The AGM was attended by a distinguished personalities including Alhaji Aliyu Ismaila Numan oon, Engr. Adamu Samaila Numan, Alhaji Ahamdu Yaro, the Sintalin Bata; Dr. Auwal Liman; Alhaji Shuaibu Shelleng; Professor Ahmadu Idi; Sheikh Nurudden Tukur Numan; and representatives of the Nigerian Police and Civil Defence Corps.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Association Alhaji Babangida Sule Kakanda outlined the association’s vision of fostering solidarity and recognizing individuals who contribute to the progress of Nasarawo Demsa and Numan Local Governments.
He highlighted NUDPA’s humanitarian efforts, including the distribution of foodstuffs to hundreds of vulnerable households, announcimg an empowerment program for small scale businesses with 20 women as pilot beneficiaries.
He stressed that the association, which is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, is open to contributions from community members who share its mission of service and development.
Asst. Secretary of the Association, Nafiu Maji presented the minutes of the previous meeting, which detailed resolutions to support youth and women through access to capital.
Reinforcing this commitment, Engr. Adamu Samaila Numan directed the association to open an account with a microfinance bank to ensure sustainable financial support for beneficiaries.
Security concerns took center stage as the Divisional Police Officer of Numan Local Government, represented by DCO Mr. Odili Umeh, delivered a paper on “Insecurity as a Factor for Underdevelopment.”
He argued that poverty remains a critical driver of insecurity, noting that communities that successfully tackle poverty are more likely to enjoy peace and stability.
Mr. Umeh pointed to the ongoing crisis in Lamurde Local Government as a major obstacle to peace-building efforts in Numan, Demsa, and Lamurde, urging stakeholders to prioritize poverty alleviation as a pathway to lasting security.
Also in his paper presentation, Dr. Tasiu Idi represented by Engr. Aminu Ahmad Yaro, who spoke on “Enhancing Youth Inclusion in Economic Activities in Metropolitan Numan”, traced the historical role of the Royal Niger Company and John Holt in shaping the economic foundations of Numan Local Government, drawing lessons for contemporary youth engagement.
Dr. Idi emphasized the urgent need to diversify livelihood opportunities for the growing youth population. He identified weak business linkages, lack of capital, and limited institutional support as major barriers to entrepreneurship, calling for deliberate interventions to strengthen youth-led enterprises.
In his goodwill message, Engr. Adamu Samaila Numan urged youths to embrace education and skill acquisition as tools for self-reliance and competitiveness.
He reminded attendees that Numan’s history is filled with examples of vibrant youths who excelled academically and contributed significantly to community development. He challenged the younger generation to rise to the occasion and sustain this legacy of excellence.
There were goodwill messages from dignitaries, contributions from security agencies who attended the meeting.
Highpoint of this year’s event was the presentation of cash to small scale women business owners to help boost their capital and improve their means of lively hoods
