Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday inaugurated the Angami Gazetted Officers Krotho (AGOK) Badze Multi-Utility Centre at Meriema, Kohima, while cautioning that unresolved land ownership and political issues are deterring investment in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration, Rio said that despite growing interest from companies in investing in the Northeast, Nagaland is at risk of being left behind.
”Large companies are willing to invest, but the land ownership issue and the political issue are two major hurdles,” he stated, citing his recent participation at the Delhi Investment Summit and the Chief Ministers’ Conclave – Viksit Bharat.
Rio also issued a warning regarding misuse of the indigenous certification process under the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN).
“If village councils certify ineligible individuals, they could face criminal charges,” he said, emphasizing the legal responsibility of councils to authenticate nativity before the District Administration issues an Indigenous Certificate.
The AGOK Badze Centre, according to the organisers, will be used for public and private events such as seminars, workshops, weddings, and conferences. The facility includes an 800-seat hall, a banquet hall, guest rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and parking for over 200 vehicles.
Convenor Er. Kezhazelhou Theünuo said a management committee would be constituted to oversee the Centre’s operations. AGOK President Neilasa Sopfü stated that revenue from the Centre would be used to provide soft loans to youth for coaching and skill development.
Rio urged the AGOK to act as a think tank and promote meritocracy, referring to the role of officers’ organisations in shaping policy.
He also drew attention to the need to move away from political preoccupations and focus on economic growth.
“There are proven systems to build a progressive economy. We must change our mindset and not live beyond our means,” he said.
On the subject of youth careers, Rio said sports should be treated as a viable professional path rather than an extracurricular activity, adding that the government recognizes success in sports as both financially and socially rewarding.
He stated that the AGOK Centre should serve not only the Angami community but all Nagas, and that its construction at a strategic location was a vision realised through community cooperation and land contributions.