News

NPC Federal Commissioner Assumes Office in Osun

By Web News 370

By Mojisola Oladele 

The newly-appointed Osun Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, NPC, Dr. Amidu Tadese has assumed the state headquarters of the commission in Osogbo.

Dr. Tadese promised to hit the ground running as he was resolute to make the much desired significant change.

The new NPC boss, who applauded President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola for counting him worthy of the appointment, said no effort would be spared in achieving the lofty policies and programmes of the Federal Government anchored on the mantra of “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

Dr. Tadese urged the management and staff of the commission to collaborate with a view to attaining quick actualisation of the lofty agenda of current government led by President Tinubu.

He also tasked the employees of the commission to key into the overall target of the Federal Government aimed at building a virile economy and repositioning the country in the path of greatness.

Recall that Dr. Tadese was nominated on 13th February 2024 and sworn-in on 13th May, 2024 by President Tinubu alongside other nominee from Ogun State.

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Health

NPC Commences Health Survey in Ogun

By Web News 546

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The 2023-24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, NDHS, has commenced in Ogun State with a call on the people to embrace the initiative as an instrument of transformation that would help to reduce health disparities and enable every Nigerian to thrive.

The Chairman, National Population Commission, NPC, Mr Nasir Kwarra made the call through the Acting State Director of the Commission, Mr Ayinla Folami at a News Conference in Abeokuta. 

He said the National Population Commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and other partners, had concluded arrangements for a successful survey as the basis for the formulation, implementation and evaluation of intervention programmes in the health and social sectors. 

The NPC Chairman explained that 46 Clusters, comprising 45 households each, across 18 Local Government Areas of the state would be visited by trained data collectors to interview the selected participants with the aim of gathering high-quality data on a wide range of vital indicators. 

Mr Kwarra pointed out that the Interviewers would ask questions on fertility awareness, use of family planning methods, child immunization routine, maternal and child health, awareness and behaviour regarding HIV and Aids and Hepatitis B and C. 

He listed other indicators as the information on Sexually Transmitted Infections, Tuberculosis, Disability and other health-related issues such as smoking and drinking of alcohol.

The NPC Chairman announced that the survey, which started on the 1st of December last year would lapse by April this year.

In a remark, the NPC Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Mr Rotimi Ilelaboye said the outcome of the survey, being conducted in all states in the Southwest region would help the government to develop policies that would have tremendous impacts on the health of Nigerians.

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Human Angle

NPC Commissioner Visits Aseyin, Stresses Value of Death Registration

By Web News 532

By Dayo Adu

Federal Commissioner National Population Commission NPC, in charge of Oyo State Dr. Eyitayo Oyetunji, has called on residents in Oyo State to register the death of their loved ones with the Commission.

Dr. Oyetunji made the call when he led officials of the commission in the state to pay homage to the newly installed Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III at his palace.

Dr. Oyetunji, who berated the low turnout of the people for death registration, explained that the exercise would help enhance government to provide qualitative healthcare for the citizenry and also tackle the common cause of death in the country.

The NPC commissioner explained that the commission had successfully carried out enumeration area Demarcation of the whole landscape of the state in readiness for the conduct of the national census 

Speaking, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III, who stressed the importance of data as key to national development, urged the people to accord priority to the registration of births and deaths.

Oba Oyebola, who spoke in Yoruba, pledged his support for the activities of the NPC in the state, especially in his domain to enhance full compliance to the registration exercise which he described as international best practice.

Highlights of the visit was the decoration of the monarch as the patron of the NPC in Oyo State by the NPC commissioner accompanied by the Southwest Zonal Director  Mr. AbdulKareem Bello and Head Of Department Vital Registration: Alhaji Rasheed Towobola

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Governance

FG Mulls Harmonization of Identity Cards

By Web News 468

Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo says talks will soon begin among all relevant stakeholders in the national identity system to work out modalities on how to harmonise all the various identity systems for seamless and efficient service delivery in the country.

He said the discussion would involve all the relevant stakeholders concerned, ranging from the INEC, Banks, FRSC, NPC, Immigration, NCC etc. with the NIMC as a statutory body empowered by law to achieve the target in no distant future.

The Minister disclosed this on Saturday and at the 5th Identity Day commemoration held at ICC, Abuja with the theme: Identity As  Catalyst for Nigeria’s Development ” – Examining the Role of Identity in Key  Government Programs of Social Safety Net, Financial Inclusion, promotion of Good Governance and Transparency.

He said the harmonization and management of national identity was what the country needed now as a major means of mitigating and controlling crime as well as for national development.

The event was the first one under the current administration of  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and since the movement of the NIMC to the Ministry of Interior.

Ojo, who described the theme as a catalyst to Nigeria’s development underscored the importance of ID management on nation building,  saying that identity remains key in the everyday lives, which is why it is commemorated this Day every year.

Looking at the progress made so far in ensuring digital identity inclusion for everyone, the minister said future solutions can be put in place to ensure better lives for the citizens and legal residents of Nigeria.

”We live in the modern digital age where a secure and verifiable identity is vital for any set system to work.

“You can’t access bank services and get ATM cards without proving your identity. You can’t even engage with others on online social media platforms without first verifying your identity. So, identity is key in our everyday lives, which is why we commemorate this Day today.

“I have stated that the harmonization and management of national identity is a major means of mitigating and controlling crime as well as for national development.”

“With a database of over 100 million National Identification Numbers in the National Identity Database, NIDB, NIMC provided essential access to attaining this goal along with other major stakeholders. 

As a member of the Ministry of Interior family, he said that the joining of NIMC with other sister agencies will not only improve access by the general public to services like passport acquisition  renewal but also the likes of efficient border security technology, effective handling of insecurity around the country, protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, reformation and reintegration of rehabilitated offenders in the society as well as improved emergency and fire response times.

He urged all stakeholders to join hands in ensuring the successful implementation of positive policies regarding national identity as it affects government social safety net and financial inclusion programmes.

The ID Day is all about setting a day out nationally and internationally in commemoration  and appreciation of the real value of ownership of verifiable identity in the everyday lives.

In her address, Acting Director General/CEO of NIMC,  Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote said harmonization of all the various identity systems remain a top  priority in her agenda as CEO of NIMC. 

She said the decision by President Tinubu  to appoint her as the Acting Director General/CEO of NIMC, “is a profound testament to the President’s unwavering faith in the Commission’s recent achievements and his optimistic outlook on our future endeavors”.

 “We embark on a journey that resonates deeply with our national aspirations. World Identity Day holds exceptional importance as it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the pivotal role that identity plays in our lives and its profound impact on society. 

“It is a day to recognize the transformative power of identity in shaping our destinies, safeguarding our rights, and connecting us as global citizens.

” Identity is more than a mere card or a number; it symbolizes our existence, our entitlements, and our place within society. It unlocks access to essential services, social benefits, and pathways to personal and economic growth. It stands as a testament to our individuality while serving as a bridge to our shared humanity.”

“At the National Identity Management Commission, our vision remains unwavering: to provide every citizen and legal resident with a digital primary identity, making it a universal reference point.

“We firmly believe that access to a reliable identity is not a privilege but a fundamental right. It serves as the cornerstone upon which we can build a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous society.

Odusote, who acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, said she would ensure universal access to a trusted identity, regardless of background or circumstances, demands innovation, unwavering dedication, and global collaboration.

 Continuing, NIMC DG said in the face of emerging technologies and evolving threats, NIMC would remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity and security of identity systems. While embracing digital transformation, we must prioritize the principles of privacy and data protection.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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News

No column for religion, ethnicity during census – NPC

By Web News 395

The National Population Commission, NPC, has clarified that the census questionnaire has no column for religion and ethnicity.

The commission made the clarification on Friday in Kano when the National Publicity Committee on the 2023 Population and Housing Census paid an advocacy visit to Nigerian Television Authority, Kano.

The visit was led by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Chairman of the committee and Minister of Information and Culture, represented by the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Dr Garba Abari.

Speaking on the speculations that Nigerians would be asked questions on their faith and ethnic affiliation, a member of the committee, Dr Isiaka Yahaya, said the commission was not interested in such data.

Yahaya, who is also the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, maintained that issues of religion and ethnicity being peddled on social media were mere distractions and without foundation.

”Since 1991, when the National Population Commission, NPC, has been conducting census, we have never asked questions on ethnicity and religion.

”We didn’t do it in 1991, we didn’t do it in 2006 and we won’t do it now.

”The reason is obvious. The two issues are very sensitive and have the capacity to divert attention from the main issue of the census,” he said.

Similarly, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Mr Osita Okechukwu, urged Nigerians not to see the census as a contest among ethnic groups.

He said the census was only for planning purposes and not to confer an advantage on any group.

”For planning purposes, President Muhammadu Buhari said before he leaves office, he wants to deploy digital technology to conduct a headcount.

” The incoming president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed, in planning with our resources, will know exactly how many Nigerians he is planning for,” Okechukwu said.

Abari on his part commended the authorities of NTA for playing a critical role in the sensitisation campaign for the headcount.

He reiterated that the headcount was solely to obtain data for national development purposes and urged the media to help tackle the twin scourge of fake news and misinformation.

Vanguard/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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News

FG to Adopt ICT for 2023 Census

By Web News 455

The Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Dr Garba Abari, says the 2023 National Population and Housing Census will be conducted digitally to ensure credibility and efficiency.

He made this known when he featured on a programme in Abuja on Sunday.

Abari, who is a member of the National Publicity and Advocacy Committee on Census, said the exercise would be facilitated by the use of digital technology, contrary to previous census conducted in the country.

He said, ‘’This is one census that is going to be different from previous ones. To enhance the credibility of the exercise, this census is going to be digital.

‘’In the house listing and numbering, the National Population Commission has perfected the space and got the point much beyond what google has done in the mapping.

‘’In terms of specificity and the correctness of the capture of every house and hamlet in Nigeria, the NPC has gone far beyond what google has done.

‘’We may not say that we are absolutely 100 per cent correct, but 99 per cent of all houses, structures within the enclave of Nigeria’s territory have been captured digitally, far beyond what google can provide in terms of specificity.’’

The NOA boss explained that the digitisation of the exercise would enhance credibility, ensure accurate data and respond to modern technology, in line with global practice.

He said, ‘’Digitalisation will enhance the credibility because there is a common template for

the exercise and that is all that will be sent to the cloud.”

He said previous census exercise was looked at from the prism of one region was larger than the other; one state was bigger than another, one local government was bigger than another, and one senatorial district was bigger than another.

‘’And in the process, you miss out the most important element of the programme, which is getting sufficient data for planning.”

He said the 2023 census would be a scientific census, a digital census that would respond to the reality of today, respond to the information and technological revolution; a census aimed at bringing in credible, acceptable, open and transparent force.

Culled / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Politics

Census: NPC to Deploy 17,000 Personnel in Osun

By Web News 503

The National Population Commission, NPC, says that it will deploy 17,000 personnel for the conduct of the 2023 census in Osun State. 

It also said it has started meeting with communities, where border issues are ongoing, to ensure a crisis-free exercise. 

Addressing journalists in Osogbo, the Federal Commissioner representing Osun, Senator Mudashiru Hussain, said the commission decided to deploy adequate numbers of personnel to complete the task timely.

His words: “In Osun State, we are engaging 17,000 personnel for the population and housing census for 2023. We have trained them including the facilitator, enumerator and supervisor. A special workforce has also been trained which will be responsible for maintaining the Personal Digital Assistant gadget on the field. We have also trained the monitoring and evaluation team and other administrators.

“We are ready for the census because the President has graciously approved 60 percent of Personal Digital Assistant, PDA, gadget from oversee and 40 percent for local gadgets. We have taken delivery of over 70 percent of the gadget and before May we will take the delivery of the remaining equipment.”

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Lifestyle

Osun Assures NPC of Full Mobilization of Residents for Census

By Web News 911

By Funmi Adekoya

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke says his government will mobilize the people of Osun to participate fully during the headcount like the general election.

The Governor stated this when the Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Senator Mudashiru Hussein and his team paid him a visit at his country home in Ede.

In his message to the Commission, Governor Ademola Adeleke assured that the people of Osun state would fully participate in the headcount as the census is critical for national planning.

Governor Adeleke, who commended the commission for their preparedness in the training and retraining of their officials, urged the Commission to ensure free error and accuracy in the National Census, by using appropriate technology.

He called on residents of Osun state to cooperate with the staff of the commission during the census.

Earlier, the NPC Federal Commissioner, Senator Mudashiru Hussein said the commission had trained its staff with a digital approach to making this year’s census acceptable to Nigerians and the world at large.

He noted that the census would be conducted digitally to ensure that it is not manipulated.

The NPC Federal Commissioner led the Osun State Director, Mr. Olawale Owoeye and other management staff to brief the Governor on the readiness of the commission towards the census slated for March 29 to April 1st this year.

Present at the meeting were Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Senator-elect for Osun West Senatorial District, Akogun Lere Oyewumi and other government functionaries.

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Politics

SW Journalists Undergo Training on Election Coverage

By Web News 528

There is a need for journalists to be mindful of the impacts of their works on national peace and stability as the 2023 general elections draw closer. 

Speakers and resource persons made the submission in Abeokuta while addressing journalists drawn from across the Southwest region of Nigeria at a capacity-building workshop organized by the Nigeria Press Council. 

In the opening remarks, the Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Odusile said the journalists must be cautious about what they write, so as not to cause crisis which according to him, would amount to writing the nation out of existence. 

Alhaji Odusile who reminded journalists that personal security and safety should be their priority maintained that their manner of reporting issues would determine the way Nigerians would perceive it. 

He urged them to avoid fuelling crisis, noting that truth in the context of peace would be counter-productive if speaking the truth that could create conflicts, hence the agenda-setting role of the media should be handled effectively. 

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Press Council, Mr Francis Nwosu had restated the Council’s commitment to protecting the interest of Journalists and assisting them to excel. 

Mr Nwosu emphasized that upholding standard journalism practice in the country was the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, stating that all hands must be on deck to reposition journalism.

Addressing the participants, the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ogun State Council, Mrs Omolola Adeyinka who spoke through a member of the Committee, Mr Simeon Fakeye applauded the Nigeria Press Council for the unrelenting efforts to reposition journalism. 

The workshop with the theme, “Effective Coverage and Reportage of 2023 General Elections” is aimed at empowering journalists to enable them to discharge their duties effectively in projecting all activities pre-election, during the elections and post-election periods.

Wale Oluokun

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News

NPC, Stakeholders Meet on 2023 Census

By Web News 673

There is the need to update Nigeria’s population database to reflect the current realities that will enhance development plans for the country. 

This formed the submission of various speakers in Abeokuta at a stakeholders summit on the 2023 Population and Housing Census with the theme, 2023 Census- Getting people involved. 

The participants who converged on Obas Complex, Oke Mosan Abeokuta venue of the summit included traditional rulers, representatives of civil society groups, leaders of relevant agencies, policy makers and implementation authorities as well as various interest organizations and community development associations. 

In separate remarks, Chairman of the State Council of Obas, the Akarigbo and paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi and the Speaker, Ogun state House of Assembly, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, represented  by his Deputy, Mr Akeem Balogun emphasized the need for all Nigerians to work for the success of the exercise. 

They expressed optimism that the exercise would help to strengthen national unity and progress while urging the National Population Commission, NPC, to carry everyone along in the process. 

In a contribution, Former Director General Of NPC, Dr Kola Akinsanya said the 2023 census was imperative because the country had exceeded the 10 – year mandatory gap for routine census to take place, with the record of the last one conducted 16 years ago. 

Addressing the people, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun represented by his Deputy, Engineer Noimot Salako who advocated the need for credible Census to aid proper indices for planning also appealed to the commission to explore all avenues of ensuring the success of the exercise. 

The Governor who reiterated the continuous commitment of his administration equally solicited the support of all critical Stakeholders towards realizing the objectives of credible Census for the country in 2023. 

Also, a Former Director, Planning and Research of the Commission, Dr Oloyede Olanipekun said the required human and technical efforts had been put in place for the exercise gave the assurance that the results of the census would be released within 3 month in view of the the prevailing digital innovations, unlike the analogue approach of the past. 

Earlier, the Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Ogun State, Yeye Seyi Aderinokun had described the programme as a milestone in the journey towards the maiden digital census in Nigeria and solicited the total support of the People to ensure successful conduct of credible and acceptable census next year. 

Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Politics

Presidential Candidates, Parties to Sign Peace Agreement

By Web News 450

The National Peace Committee has invited presidential candidates, their parties and spokespersons to sign a peace agreement ahead of the 2023 general elections to ensure that their campaigns are issue-based and peaceful.

The invitation was handed to the contestants, their parties and spokespersons through a letter on Thursday in Abuja.

The letter indicated that the agreement would be the first cycle to be held on September 29, 2022, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Chairman of the committee General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), who signed the invitation letter, stated that the peace agreement will be signed twice before the general elections.

The letter stated, “the first accord signing is intended to commit political parties, candidates and their spokespersons to conduct their campaigns both online and offline in a peaceful manner, devoid of ethnic, religious and hateful rhetoric that will incite violence and further aggravate the growing tension in the nation.

“The second peace agreement will hold in January 2023.

“These interventions are to complement ongoing peace initiatives aimed at promoting a violence-free and inclusive electioneering process before, during and after the declaration of the final election results.”

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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News

New NPC DG Assumes Duty

By Web News 2006

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mr Ojogun Tellson Osifo as the Director General of the National Population Commission, NPC.

A letter signed by the Secretary to Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha says his appointment takes effect from 4 August, 2022.

Until his appointment, Mr Ojogun Tellsson Osifo was data analyst with United Nations Population Fund UNFPA.

After the retirement of the former Director General of the Commission, Alhaji Ghanji Bello, Mrs Patience Mbagwu assumed that position in acting capacity.

FRCN Abuja/Titilayo Kupoliyi

News

NPC Trains Personnel Ahead of 2023 Census

By Web News 632

In preparation for the first fully digital census in 2023, the National Population Commission, NPC, has commenced training of its functionaries for the trial census in Enugu State.

Briefing newsmen during the kick-off of the exercise, the Federal Commissioner, representing Enugu State, Mr Ejike Ezeh, said the trial census was another key preparatory activity for the main census.

He disclosed that the commission has commenced training of 99 enumerators and local government supervisors to conduct the exercise in all the selected nine local government areas in the state.

Mr Ezeh said the trial would be conducted in all the 7,718 selected Enumeration Areas across the country to test run suitability and readiness for the actual census in 2023.

The commissioner declared that the exercise would avail the commission opportunity to test all aspects of census operations, from planning to implementation, logistics arrangement and management, questionnaire design and format, training procedures, fieldwork operations, publicity, payment system, data processing, data tabulation and analysis.

. The trial census which is also known as the “census dress rehearsal” is another key preparatory activity for the census. It is a process in which all census operations are tested in a detailed and comprehensive manner. This takes place as a matter of best practice about a year before the actual census date to assess the scenario that may be presented during the main Census.’’he said.

Vanguard /Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

News

FG Approves April 2023 for Census

By Web News 533

The National Council of State has approved  the national population census to hold in  April 2023.

Director-General of National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa-Kwarra, disclosed   this to State House correspondents after the  Council of State meeting  presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday.

Isa-Kwarra said the NPC would be conducting a pilot census from June 2022 after political parties must have completed their pre-general election activities.

The NPC boss, who recalled that the last census was conducted in 2006, said that the commission will deploy high technology for the exercise.

He said through census, data is generated for planning, adding that the data currently being used are mere projections and obsolete.

 “It is very crucial because I have highlighted that the census is a very important exercise for the nation.

“Because through census we generate the data that we use for policy making, planning, and  development by the three tiers of government, and the private sector; they all need this.

“If you are in private sector, you’re producing something. Certainly, you need to know the population of an area if you want to create a market there.

“So, census data is very crucial, very important. Because, the data we’ve been using are just projections, estimation and are sort of obsolete, we need the actual census data to use for our planning,” Isa-Kwarra said.

Newspeak/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

News

NPC to Adopt Use of Technology for Next Year’s Census

By Web News 758

The National Population Commission, NPC says next year’s head count and housing census will be done with the use of technology to check falsifications and alterations of data.

The Chairman, National Population Commission, Alhaji Nasir Kwarra stated this during an advocacy to Governor Kayode Fayemi and traditional institutions in Ekiti State.

Alhaji kwarra explained that the commission had among other things completed the enumeration area demarcation of 772 local governments while the pre test exercise for the May 2022 population census has commenced.

He solicited the support of the state government to ensure that the next year’s census was successful.

Alhaji Kwarra equally pleaded with the Governor to mobilize other State Chief Executives under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to provide a conducive environment that would make the commision got accurate data of the people to ensure societal development.

In a response Governor Kayode Fayemi described census as an important aspect of development and gave an assurance of government’s readiness to partner NPC to achieve the goal.

The Governor suggested that national census should be carried out in Nigeria every two years to get accurate data base of Nigerian citizens.

Earlier during a meeting with the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, the NPC Chairman promised to continue to work with monarchs with the hope of getting the necessary advices and suggestions that would help the commision deliver on its mandate.

Also the NPC Federal Commissioner in charge of Ekiti, Mr Ayodeji Ajayi commended the monarchs for the huge support given to the commission’s officials during the EAD exercise, and called on them not to relent in order to achieve desired results.

In a separate remark, the Chairman Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers who is the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe and Onise of Odo-Oro Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Jemilehin stressed the need for NPC to address all boundary issues before the exercise to avert communal clashes.

On the entourage of the NPC Chairman were the Commissioners in charge of Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Ondo States among and other officials.

Oluwaseyi Akanbi

Environment

Boundary Disputes: NPC Seeks Govt. Intervention In Pacifying Warring Communities In Ekiti

By Web News 819

The National Population Commission,NPC, wants Ekiti state government to intervene in disputed areas among communities and towns across the state to ensure a hitch free, enumeration area demarcation and census.
The Federal Commissioner Representing Ekiti State in the Board of National Population Commission, NPC, Mr Ayodeji Ajayi made the call while on a visit to the State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi in Ado Ekiti.
Mr Ayodeji Ajayi who maintained that the commission had drawn plans, subject to the directive of President Muhammad Buhari to hold census before the end of his tenure, pointed out that the boundary disputes among the people in some communities in Ekiti South, Ise/Orun, Emure, Ilejemeje, Gbonyin, Ado, Moba, and irepodun/Ifelodun local governments could hinder the success of the headcount as well as smooth operations of the Commission.
The NPC commissioner noted that timely and early resolution of some of the boundary disputes would not only enhance peace but also help the commission to complete necessary steps for the housing census.
In his Response, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi who said that the importance of census could not be over emphasized, noted that government would look into factors responsible for boundary disputes and address them once and for all.
Otunba Egbeyemi also promised the cooperation of government to the National Population Commission and appreciated the officials of NPC for being alive to their responsibilities especially in the state.

Oriola Afolabi

News Yoruba

Àjọ NPC ti sọ ìdí tó fi yẹ kádinkù dé bá ikú ọmọ wẹ́wẹ́ lẹ́ka ètò ìlera.

By Web News 875

Àdínkù tó dé bá ikú àwọn ọmọ wẹ́wẹ́ tọ́jọ́ orí wọn wà lábẹ́ ọdún márun tíwọ́n bí nílẹ̀ Nàijírìa láti ọ̀kànlérúgba tó wà lọ́dún 2003 sí méjìléláadóje lọ́dún 2018, kò tó ǹnkan láti bá àfojúsùn èróngbà ìdàgbàsókè sáà tawàyíì dọ́gba.

Alákoko àjọ tó ń rísọ́rọ̀ beeyan se pọ̀ sí nílẹ̀ Nàijírìa, NPC, ọ̀mọ̀wé Eyitayọ Oyetunji ló sọ̀rọ̀ yíì di mímọ́ níbi ètò ìdánilẹ́kọọ tó wáyé lórí ẹ̀rọ ayélujára, ló dá lórí àbájàde ìwádi lórí ètò kan tayọ náà gbékalẹ̀, tó pèní VASA.

Ètò Vasa yíì làjọ NPC, gbékalẹ̀ láti mọ̀ nípa ohun tó sokunfà ikú àwọn ọmọ tọ́jọ́ orí wọn wà lábẹ́ ọdún márun nílẹ̀ Nàijírìa láárin ọdún 2013 sí 2018.

Gẹ́gẹ́ bí àbájáde Vasa se sọ́ọ̀di mímọ̀, ẹkùn ìwọ́orùn gúsù ill yíì lóní àkọsílẹ̀ iye ọmọ wẹ́wẹ́ tó kú, tó kéré jù tíì se ìdá ogún nínú àwọn ọmọ ẹgbẹ̀rún kan tíwọ́n bí, nígbà tí àríwá ìwọ́orùn ilẹ̀ Nàijírìa, ní àkọsílẹ̀ tó pọ́jùlọ ní tiẹ, tíì se mẹ́tàdínlọ́gọ́fà.

Ọmọwe Oyetunji ẹni tó tẹnumọ́ ìdí tó fi sepàtàkì fáwọn tó ń sàgbékalẹ̀ ìlànà àtàwọn tọ́rọkàn gbọ̀ngbọ̀n lẹ́ka ètò ìlera fi gbọdọ̀ sisẹ́ lórí mímú àdínkù bá ikú àwọn ọmọ wẹ́wẹ́ sọpé, àbọ̀ ìwádi yíì, yóò sisk gẹ́gẹ́ bí atọ́nà láti sàgbékalẹ̀ ètò tó jáfáfá.

Kò sài tún fikun pé, àkọsílẹ̀ yíì niwọ́n yóò gbékalẹ̀ lọ́nà tí yóò rọrùn láti sàmílò fún gbogbo àwọn tọ́rọ̀ kàn.

Kẹhinde/Wojuade

Yoruba

Ajo NPC Benu Atelu Kikuna Lati Seto Iforuko Sile Awon Omo

By Web News 1046

Ajo to nrisi ikaniyan nileyii, NPC, ti kede pe, awon iwe eri ibi, eyi tawon ijoba ibile ati ile-iwosan ngbekale, kole je sisamulo fun awon ojuse kan nile yii.

Ajo naa tokasi pe, ojuse ajo NPC ni fifun ni ni iwe eri ibi je nibamu pelu ofin ile yii todun 1999.

Adele alaga ajo NPC, Omowe Eyitayo Adetunji so eyi fun oniroyin Radio Nigeria n’ilu Abuja.

Omowe Adetunji ro ijoba atawon osise eleto ilera lati seto ilaniloye fawon obi lati seto iforuko sile awon omo won.

Nigba to un fesi, osise agba ajo UNICEF, Enugu, Ogbeni Ibrahim Conteh salaye pe, akosile lenu loloyi, safihan re pe iforuko sile awon omo wewe nile yii kere jojo pelu bi ida metadinlogota awon omo kise je fiforukosile nikoko.

Elizabeth Idogbe

News Analysis

Managing The Nation’s Increasing Population

By Web News 958 Post a comment

Recently, the National Population Commission, NPC, predicted that the continued closure of schools across the country due to coronavirus might lead to an increase in teenage pregnancy, abortion and the number of early school dropout.

The acting Executive Chairman of the NPC, Dr Tayo Oyetunji, said there had been a noticeable increase in gender-based violence ranging from rape to physical and emotional assaults on girls.

Although, the country conducted its last population census in 2006, the 2006 population and housing census put the nation’s population at one hundred and forty million and since then, estimates had been used to update the country’s growing population every year.

In the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey that was conducted by the NPC in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation, WHO and the United Nations Population Fund, UNPF, among others, which was released last year, reveals a troubling trend which must be checked.

An astronomical increase in population could deepen poverty, escalate violence and worsen unemployment.

According to the survey, Nigeria is estimated to be two hundred and six million people with the birth rate put at five point three children per woman with Katsina state having the highest at seven point three children per woman.

The survey found that forty-four percent of teenage girls with no education have begun childbearing, while only one percent of teenage girls with more than secondary school education have given birth.

While Lagos has the lowest rate of teenage pregnancy at just one percent while Bauchi has the highest at forty-one percent.

According to the United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency UNFPA’S “World Population Report 2020”, thirty-three thousand Nigerian girls under the age of eighteen will be forced into marriage, usually to much older men.

One in five females married today in Nigeria is underage.

About nineteen percent of women between fifteen and nineteen years have begun child bearing while about fourteen percent would have given birth and four percent are pregnant with their first child.

It is common knowledge that the more educated a woman is, the fewer children she will bear.

It is pertinent therefore to increase the enrolment of girl child in primary and secondary schools especially in the most vulnerable areas.

Unfortunately, about eleven northern states are yet to domesticate the Child Rights Act despite its obvious benefits for children which include being unable to get married till the age of eighteen as girls stay longer in school.

Sadly, Nigeria has not been able to address the root causes of population explosion, which include polygamy, child marriage and low prevalence of contraception.

For instance, a motion moved by a federal lawmaker in the Eighth National Assembly to implement effective population management policy degenerated into a religious debate and failed to achieve its intended outcome. 

To mitigate the effect of increasing population therefore, Nigeria’s modern contraceptive prevalence rate of twelve per cent for married women and twenty-eight percent for sexually active unmarried women is still too low and needs to be scaled up. 

Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s most conservative countries, has placed a ban on marriage of persons below the age of eighteen.

State governments must also stop the practice of spending public funds in sponsoring mass weddings.

Addressing birth rates through a mix of women empowerment, education opportunities, birth control clinics and public enlightenment will make a difference.

Fawzeeyah Kasheem

Lifestyle

We are committed to protecting women and the girl-child – NPC Boss

By Web News 731 Post a comment

Acting chairman, National Population Commission, NPC, Dr Eyitayo Oyetunji says the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has initiated programmes and policies aimed at defying practices that negate the rights of women and the girl-child. 

Dr Oyetunji made this known in Ibadan at a press conference to commemorate this year’s World Population Day, with the theme “Putting the break to Covid 19: safeguarding the health and rights of women and girls now”. 

Dr Oyetunji who spoke through the Oyo State Director of the commission, Mrs Omolara Adeyinka said government is aware of the effect of Covid-19 on women and girls, and has approved economic stimulus package of 2.3 trillion naira for both the formal and informal sector, and has initiated an educational programme to reduce out-of-school children.

He said the effect of limited access to commodities occasioned by the pandemic is increasing the level of sexually transmitted diseases due to unprotected sex, unsafe abortion and unwanted pregnancies among women. 

The NPC boss explained that the commission will continue to collaborate with development partners and MDA’s to generate data meant to address cases of women’s health, nutrition and sexual harassment through survey and research.

Dr Oyetunji said arrangement had been concluded to begin digitization of vital events with procurement of computers for the seven hundred and seventy four local government areas of the country, expected to take off in the last quarter of this year.

Mosope Kehinde