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Tinubu Inaugurates National Population Census Committee
Joel Ajay
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a high-level committee tasked with facilitating the conduct of the forthcoming National Population and Housing Census, with a directive to submit an interim report within three weeks.
The President, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, at the inauguration held Wednesday at the State House in Abuja, emphasized that a credible, technology-driven census is critical for accurate national planning and development across all sectors, including healthcare, education, security, and the economy.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu described the census as vital for effective policy formulation and resource allocation, noting that the last census was conducted in 2006—nearly two decades ago—when Nigeria’s population was recorded at 140,431,790, comprising 71,345,488 males and 69,086,302 females.
“The enumeration has to be technology-driven with biometrics and digitalisation. Things have changed since the last time that we conducted this exercise,” Tinubu stated. “Work with all relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. This ministry has to take charge of this because you cannot budget if you do not know how many we are.”
President Tinubu also underscored the need for strategic funding, urging the committee to explore both domestic and international sources to finance the exercise.
The newly inaugurated Presidential Committee on Population and Housing Census is chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, who pledged to meet the President’s three-week deadline for the interim report.
Bagudu, reflecting on Tinubu’s guidance during the 2023 ministerial retreat, said the committee would adopt creative strategies to execute its mandate despite prevailing economic challenges.
“Despite global economic headwinds, Nigeria under President Tinubu is making steady progress. We are seeing improvements in foreign exchange stability and overall economic growth,” Bagudu noted, assuring that the committee will present feasible solutions for funding the census and ensuring its credibility.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, highlighted the role of accurate data in national planning, stressing that a credible census lays the foundation for such data.
The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, who will serve as Secretary to the committee, disclosed that preliminary preparations for the census have already commenced in partnership with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and other key stakeholders.
According to Kwarra, the commission is currently identifying priority areas and requirements necessary for the President to take a well-informed decision on the timing and implementation of the census. He reaffirmed the NPC’s commitment to delivering a transparent, technology-based enumeration exercise that supports inclusive development and planning.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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