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SGF Pledges Support For Next Census

Published

1 year ago

September 19, 2023

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume has said that the census was a critical national exercise and that the Federal Government would provide all the necessary support to ensure its success.

He assured the National Population Commission of the Federal Government’s commitment to the successful conduct of the upcoming Population and Housing Census.

Sen Akume disclosed these when he received in audience a delegation from National Population Commission led by its Chairman, Hon Nasir Isa Kwarra in his office Tuesday in Abuja.

Isa Kwarra had led the NPC team to brief the SGF on the level of preparations for the upcoming Population and Housing Census and also solicit his support for the successful conduct of the exercise.

The SGF also commended the NPC for the progress it had made in its preparations for the census and urged the Commission to continue to work hard to ensure that the exercise was conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner.

“The census is a critical national exercise that will provide data on the size, distribution, and characteristics of Nigeria’s population. The data collected from the census will be used for planning and development purposes at all levels of government,” he said.

Earlier while stating the purpose of his visit, the Chairman of National Population Commission, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra informed the SGF that the Commission had made significant progress in its preparations for the census and that all hands were on deck to ensure a successful exercise.

He highlighted some of the key milestones that had been achieved, including the completion of the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) and geospatial resources generated from the exercise, census pretests and trial census, mapping and identification of special population groups, advocacy and partnerships, recruitment and training of census personnel, procurement of PDAs and the technological innovation deployed to ensure efficiency and transparency in the census exercise.

The NPC Chairman informed the SGF that “The Commission has visited and briefed Mr President on the status of the preparation for the next census and that President has also graciously directed that the Commission continue with the advocacy and publicity for the next census and promised a new date for the Census.”

Hon Kwarra also solicited the support of the SGF in ensuring that the census received the necessary funding and other resources required for its successful conduct.

“The Commission respectfully requests the SGF to help facilitate the proclamation of a new date for the census because the more the delay, the more the budget for the census will go up, as many preparatory activities will have to be repeated,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of the census for national development and called on all Nigerians to participate actively in the exercise.

“The Commission will generate credible, reliable and acceptable data that will help to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President in planning for sustainable socio-economic development,” he stated

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New Year: NYCN tells youths to be more involved in governance

Published

1 month ago

January 1, 2025

The Gleamer

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has urged the Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of patriotism, unity, selflessness and prioritizing the collective good over personal interests for the development of the nation.

In a statement he signed and made available to the media in Abuja, Wednesday morning, NYCN President and Secretary Board of Trustees, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, said the New Year represents a fresh start for the nation, presenting both challenges and opportunities that require a collective effort from all Nigerians.

The statement read: “As we enter 2025, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), under the leadership of Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, extends warm greetings to all Nigerians. The NYCN recognizes that this New Year represents a fresh start for the nation, presenting both challenges and opportunities that require a collective effort from all Nigerians.

“As the representative body for Nigerian youth, the NYCN believes that the youth are at the heart of the country’s future and has a crucial role to play in shaping its destiny. Therefore, we seize this moment to reaffirm our commitment to the nation’s progress, unity and active participation in governance.

“The NYCN emphasizes that patriotism is central to our aspirations for 2025. This is a time for reflection on our shared responsibility to Nigeria and to renew our commitment to the nation’s prosperity. Patriotism, in this sense, goes beyond mere loyalty to the country; it embodies a deep dedication to the well-being of the nation and its people. Patriotism calls for unity, selflessness, and prioritizing the collective good over personal interests. This year, the NYCN urges the youth to embrace these values, as they are essential for building a stronger, more united nation.

“This sense of patriotism is not just about support for the nation in general but extends to supporting the government at all levels, regardless of political affiliation. Whether at the federal, state, or local levels, the government plays a vital role in shaping policies that affect the lives of millions of Nigerians.

“The NYCN believes it is crucial for the youth to stand in solidarity with these efforts, not just by offering support, but by contributing their ideas, perspectives, and solutions. Constructive engagement with the government is critical for ensuring that policies are effective and responsive to the needs of the people.

“Active participation in governance is essential. The NYCN stresses the importance of youth taking an active role in shaping Nigeria’s future. Young people must move beyond passive observation and take responsibility for the country’s direction.

“This means seizing opportunities to get involved in leadership roles, participating in policy discussions, and supporting initiatives that promote good governance. It is time for youth to take ownership of their future, contributing innovation, responsibility, and vision to build a better nation.

“The NYCN further urges Nigerian youth to be more involved in political processes. Governance is not just about holding positions of power; it involves engaging in public discussions and influencing the policies and laws that shape society.

“The youth should be actively engaged in policy advocacy to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. Whether through voting, volunteering, or holding elected office, young people must play an active and visible role in the political life of the country.”

He added: “In addition to increased political involvement, the government must play its part in creating an environment conducive to youth development. The NYCN advocates for greater investment in programs that promote skill development, create job opportunities, and encourage entrepreneurship.

“The government is urged to prioritize initiatives that provide practical training and equip young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy. Expanding educational programs, offering job training opportunities, and establishing platforms to showcase youth innovation are critical to empowering young Nigerians for the future.

“The NYCN hereby declares 2025 as the Year of the Youth, a time for young Nigerians to step up, take responsibility, and take action. The challenges facing the country require the collective effort of all citizens, and the youth must be at the forefront of this movement. 2025 should be a year of opportunity, transformation, and active participation.

“Let this be the year when young Nigerians come together to contribute to their communities, strive for excellence in their respective fields, and take leadership positions in all sectors of society.

“In closing, the NYCN expresses its sincere gratitude to the Nigerian government, civil society organizations, and all stakeholders who continue to support youth empowerment and development.

“We also reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively with these partners to ensure that 2025 is a year of progress and success for the nation. The time has come for Nigeria’s youth to rise, embrace their power, and play an essential role in the growth and development of the country.”

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