The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, made the announcement in a statement on Tuesday.

Ida holds an MSc in Banking and Finance from the University of Ibadan (1983) and an LLB from the University of Abuja (2003).

Before being elected to the Senate in 2017 to represent Katsina Central, he served as the Commissioner for Finance, Katsina State, and as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Civil Service.

The seven people nominated as federal commissioners to represent their respective states in the National Population Commission are:

1. Kolawole Oladipupo Alabi ​- Ekiti State
2. Nasiru Mu’azu ​​​- Zamfara State
3. Usman Abubakar Tuggar ​- Bauchi State
4. Dr Isaka Alada Yahaya​ – Kwara State
5. Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda​​ – Katsina State
6. Suleiman Umar​​​ – Jigawa State and
7. Hon. Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo ​– Sokoto State.

The appointments, which complement other federal commissioners already sworn in, are subject to confirmation by the National Assembly:

The president also appointed Dr Yusuf Mohammed of Kano State as chairman of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo.

President Tinubu confirmed the appointment of Bala Mohammed Bello as his Special Adviser on Political Economy.

Bello, from Taraba State, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Before this appointment, he was a Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

He also served as Executive Director (Corporate Services) at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank from 2017 to 2022.

President Tinubu expressed strong belief in the capacities of the appointees to put in their best to further the administration’s commitment to a better lease of life for Nigerians.

READ ALSO: 

US city honours Kegites, issues proclamation

Trap: When CEOs reward visibility over value

LIRS extends deadline for filing of individual annual income tax returns

Zenith Bank and Ford Foundation honour unsung ‘Sheroes’

Police intercept 14-year-old over Lagos airport stowaway attempt

Amotekun nabs 11 kidnappers, 24 others in Ondo

Foreign affairs minister, Tuggar, resigns

Man, 20, drowns in Kano

ADC: Bolaji Abdullahi, stop playing the Ostrich

Hisbah, alcohol, VAT: An unpopular opinion

Kemi James: Remains of ex-Ovation editor’s wife for burial April 1

We’ll rebuild PDP to meet yearnings of Nigerians –Wike

Plateau: Govt imposes curfew as gunmen attack claims lives

Abdulrahaman Mohammed emerges PDP national chairman

WEATHER FORECAST: NiMet predicts dust haze, sunshine

The post Tinubu appoints Ida as CAC chair, nominates NPC commissioners appeared first on Frontpageng.

Mr Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Affairs Minister, made the call while fielding questions from journalists against the backdrop of the 4th Session of the 14th National People’s Congress, NPC, on Sunday, in Beijing, China.

Wang, who is also Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, CPC, Central Committee, said the situation in Iran remained the focal point in the current international discussion.

According to him, China’s attitude on the issue is objective and impartial, stating that the country’s principled position could be summarised into one key message.

Wang said, “It is to bring about a ceasefire and end hostilities. Ancient Chinese wisdom warns that weapons are ominous tools, and should not be used without discretion. The Middle East is engulfed in flames.

“This is a war that should not have happened, it is a war that does no one any good.

“The history of the Middle East tells the world time and again that force provides no solution and armed conflict will only increase hatred and breed new crises.

“Once again, China calls for an immediate stop to military operations, to avoid the spiralling escalations of the situation and prevent the conflict from spilling over and spreading.”

He suggested there should be a right and proper solution to the issues relating to Iran and the Middle East, saying fundamental principles in such regard must be adhered to.

That, according to him, includes respect for national sovereignty as the cornerstone of the current international order.

Also, the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Iran and all countries in the Gulf region should be respected and must not be violated.

Others include rejecting the abuse of force, saying might does not make right, saying wilful use of force does not prove one’s strength.

“Major countries should act in the spirit of justice and righteousness, and contribute more positive energy to peace and development of the Middle East.

“As a sincere friend and strategic partner, China stands to work with Middle-Eastern countries to implement the Global Security Initiative, and restore order to the Middle East. Also restore tranquility to the people, and restore peace to the world,” he said.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO: 

Tolulope Arotile: Six years after…, By Bolanle Bolawole

The Tinubu enigma: Power, strategy and the Nigerian state

DevReporting hosts journalists, researchers at workshop on reporting urban challenges in Lagos

The accountability of thought: A debt I owe Chris Asoluka

Violence hits Wike’s faction at PDP Oyo congress

Kara Bridge: FG to begin repair work Tuesday, advises motorists

The road to Oke Mosan is paved with broken promises

Beyond rhetoric and photo ops: The undervaluation of Women’s Day

FCT: Troops rescue 19 kidnap victims, neutralise terrorists

WEATHER FORECAST: NiMET predicts hazy condition

The post China calls for end to warring situation in Iran appeared first on Frontpageng.

The forum will be a gathering of public relations professionals from over 126 countries.

The event is organised by Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management in partnership with NIPR.

The members of the committee include Dr Suleiman Haruna, Chairman, and Malam Yakubu Lamai, Co-Chairman.

Other members are Mrs Mariam Sanusi, Prof Rotimi Olatunji, retired former CP, Emmanuel Ojukwu, Ms Inimfon Etuk, Mrs Veronica Abuede, Dr Yusuf Mu’azu, Yeye Aisha Gambari, Mr Rasheed Bolarinwa, and Ms Eberechukwu Emeribe.

Dr Mohammed Abubakar, Dr Tope Ojeme, Dr Nelson Omenugha, Mrs Olubunmi Badejo, Mr Victor Agi, Ms Fatima Buba, Mr Basil Agboarumi, Mr Stanley Ogadigo, Mr Foga Amos, Ms Mary Ichoku and Mr Emmanuel Onchono are also members of the committee.

READ ALSO: Edo Police rescue 12-year-old girl, foil kidnap attempt

Inaugurating the committee in Abuja, the president of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, said the NPC was saddled with the responsibility of organising the 2026 WPRF tagged “Abuja 2026”.

Neliaku tasked the committee to deliver on the mandate given to them, stressing that the international event had given Nigeria the opportunity to shape its narrative and boost its image and reputation.

Responding, the chairman of the committee, Haruna, said that the inauguration of registration and unveiling marked the formal beginning of preparations of what promised to be one of the most significant gathering of communication professionals ever held on the African soil.

”On behalf of the members of the committee, I want to sincerely thank the leadership of NIPR for the confidence reposed in us.

”We accept the responsibility with humility and affirmed commitment to justify the trust place in us through hard work, professionalism and excellence.

”When the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management granted Nigeria the hosting right to host the WPRF 2026, it was both an honour and a challenge.

“An honour because, Nigeria will for the first time host world foremost communication experts, and challenge because we must showcase the very best of our nation’s capacity,” Haruna said.

He noted that as WPRF 2026 was unveiled, a vision, spirit of collaboration and pride was presented, adding that it called for telling the African stories authentically and connecting to the world through communication.

According to him, we look forward to welcoming the world to Abuja in 2026.

Similarly, the co-chairman, Lamai explained that the committee was planning to ensure effective delivery on its mandate.

”The WRPF Abuja 2026 will take place in November 2026, and will span six days.

”Aside the usual morning sessions where you have the workshops and the trainings, we are putting a structured mechanism of entertainment; something like FESTAC 1977.

”We are working on a lot of things, like horse riding, spoken words and other forms of entertainment that will make participants love Nigeria and always want to come back,” Lamai said.

Source: NAN

The post NIPR inaugurates committee for 2026 World Public Relations Forum appeared first on Frontpageng.

The Executive Secretary of NPC, Mr Dili Ezughah, said this while declaring open a workshop on Wednesday at Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State.

The workshop with the theme, “Public Trust and Ethical Journalism in the Digital Age,” was organised by the NPC in collaboration with XEM Consultant Ltd.

According to Ezughah, stakeholders in the media profession hold the key to public peace, order, national development and entrepreneurship.

He further explained that the advent of new media had brought both revolution to information dissemination as well as challenges in information management.

“The Council was set up to aid practitioners and direct them toward the ethics and direction of responsibility. The need to comply with the Code of Ethics cannot be overemphasized.

“It makes the practice of journalism a profession that creates peaceful environment for social exchange and ultimately impact society on social cohesion and development.

“This is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s desire for continued free, responsible and accountable journalism practice under his administration.

“At the Press Council, our mandate consist of promoting high professional standards for the Nigerian Press; this, we execute through capacity building such as this workshop,” Ezughah said.

He stressed that the Council’s mandate also include monitoring media content and drawing attention to ethical breaches.

The NPC boss further called on the participants to capitalise on the opportunity to spread knowledge acquire in their work place and environment.

“Journalism profession has a potent for change, either for good or bad. Do not underestimate the power we have as Journalists.

“So, we encourage you to use the power for the good of all of us, for a stable nation; a nation that is economically viable. We can do this.

“For staff of NPC, be properly guided in your regulatory functions,” Ezughah said.

Also speaking, the National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr Achike Chude, said journalism is a noble profession adding that it is about public trust.

READ ALSO: Five unicorns in nine years, who does that?

“Democracy depends on journalism. Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution gave media the power to hold government and government officials accountable for the interest of the entire citizens.

“Therefore, journalists have a role to play, and such role has given them nobility,” Chude said.

A facilitator, Dr Santas Tsegyu, from Nasarawa State University presented a topic entitled, “Mass Media as a Mass Educator.”

Also, another facilitator, Mr Samuel Akpe, presented his paper with the topic “Embracing Fact-checking in Journalism towards Embracing Public Trust,” while Mr Samuel Abu delivered a lecture on Ethics of Journalism.

While some of the participants expressed satisfaction, saying it was impactful, others said it was an eye opener.

Source: NAN

The post Ethics: Press Council trains 45 journalists, 30 varsity students appeared first on Frontpageng.

The nation last held a census in November 2006.

President Bola Tinubu, at a meeting at the State House with officials of the National Population Commission, NPC, said he would set up a committee to align the census budget to the government’s present financial realities.

He said the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, must be part of the review.

“We must ascertain who we are, how many we are, and how to manage our data. Without an accurate census, we can’t successfully plan for employment, agriculture, and food sovereignty. So many problems come up without accurate data,” President Tinubu said.

He reiterated his commitment to ensuring accurate and reliable figures from the national census to strengthen development planning and improve Nigerians’ living conditions through more efficient social security.

The National Population Commission, NPC, chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, and some other members briefed the president.

President Tinubu noted that government incentives, such as the sale and distribution of fertilisers, could be easily improved with more reliable data and demographics.

The president told the delegation that biometric capturing should be central to the process, with multiple identification features, including facial and voice recognition.

READ ALSO: Ondo: Tinubu congratulates Gov Aiyedatiwa on fresh term in office

“We should work on our financial muscle well in place to lift our burden before we go and meet development partners for the census. We should work out the figures before discussing the role of development partners.

“This stop-and-go activity on the census cannot work with me. So we better have a definite path. I will set up a committee for you to look at the issues critically and do a source and application of resources. Where can we get help, and what can we lift before we embark on proclamation?”

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the census data would be central to future planning and resource distribution.

“At a retreat for the ministers in 2023, Mr President, you reiterated your commitment to the census, so there is no doubt about your desire and commitment to have the census. In fact, at the last Federal Executive Council meeting, you asked me what the problem was, and I told you it was simply an issue of lack of ability to fund the census.

“Even today, before this meeting, I called the NPC chairman and restated your commitment to the census. However, the commission and all of us in the team need to agree on the minimum amount we can source to support Mr President in making the final decision.

“The NPC indicated that 40 per cent of the funding for the 2006 census came from development partners,” Bagudu stated.

Bagudu noted that the enumeration done by NPC so far had been helpful.

“Mr President, we have been having ecosystem meetings to link the identity agencies, even the geo-spatial chaired by the ministry, because of our mandate as the supervising ministry of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS. So the NPC, NBS, NIMC, Ministry Of Digital Economy, passport, social register, voters register, and even telecoms data have been meeting with the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, to see how much is available to the government regarding data and how much optimisation can take place.”

In his presentation, NPC chairman, Kwarra, said the last census took place in 2006, and 19 years later, the figures were no longer relevant in planning, particularly for key sectors that directly impact the population.

He said 760,000 tablets had been acquired and stored with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), assuring the commission would engage with development partners to seek support whenever President Tinubu proclaimed the new census.

The post Nigeria moves closer to fresh census, Tinubu to set up committee appeared first on Frontpageng.

Alhaji Nasir Kwarra, chairman of the NPC, made this announcement in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Mrs Talibat Oloruntoba, Director of the Public Affairs Department of the NPC.

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, presented a birth certificate to the first baby of the year at Asokoro General Hospital, Abuja.

Kwarra, represented by the Federal Commissioner from Katsina, Mr Bala Banya, emphasised the commission’s commitment to ensure every child born in Nigeria was registered and received a birth certificate.

He explained that with the digitisation of the registration system and partnerships with the Primary Health Care Agency, children, no matter where they are born, would be registered.

READ ALSO: And the man died…, By Bola Bolawole

Kwarra urged all parents and guardians to take advantage of the free registration service provided by the commission.

Dr. Telson Ojogun, Director-General of the NPC, highlighted the commission’s plans to establish more than 4,000 additional registration centres nationwide, making it easier for Nigerians to register their children.

He also stressed that the commission was utilising modern technology to ensure that each registered child had a unique, irreplaceable identity.

Ojogun also expressed gratitude to the First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, for presenting the certificate to the first baby of the year.

Ojogun encouraged Nigerians to register deaths with the commission, helping to maintain an accurate and reliable population register.

Source: NAN

The post NPC registers 10m children nationwide appeared first on Frontpageng.

INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, at the commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, and unveiling of the hardcopies of Election Report, and the Review Report on 2023 general election.

Yakubu said that the intention for the review followed some of the recommendations contained in the review reports.

He said that the commission believed that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, the use of the PVC, as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on election day should be reviewed.

“Those who already have the PVCs can still use them to vote, but going forward, computer-generated slips issued to the voter or even downloaded from the commission’s website, will suffice for voter accreditation.

“This will not only save cost, it will also eliminate the issues around the collection of PVCs and the diabolical practice of buying up the cards from voters, in order to disenfranchise them,” he said.

Yakubu said that having released its 524-page main report on the election, INEC had wide internal consultation with its officials and externally, with all major stakeholders.

He said that from the internal and external engagements, INEC identified 142 recommendations dealing with various aspects of election, out of which 86 required administrative action by INEC.

READ ALSO: ‘One chance’: Police nab eight suspects, recover seven vehicles

“This is followed by 48 recommendations that require action by a variety of stakeholders, including security agencies; mobile network operators; statutory bodies; political parties; transport unions; civil society organisations and the media.

“On the legal review, there are eight recommendations that require legislative action by the National Assembly. Very soon, the commission will make a presentation to the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, as they continue to deliberate on electoral reform.

“Among the major highlights of the commission’s recommendations is the imperative of legal clarity in result management, with regard to manual transfer versus the electronic transmission of results,” INEC chairman said.

Yakubu also disclosed that the review report also contained recommendations on early/special voting for the millions of Nigerians who do not vote at the moment, on account of the roles they play during elections.

According to him, the categories of the people include INEC officials, security personnel, adhoc staff, observers and journalists, who are deployed outside the places where they registered to vote.

He said that there were also recommendations in support of diaspora voting, the unbundling of the commission with the establishment of electoral offences tribunal, and a separate agency to handle the registration and regulation of political parties.

“Similarly, the commission will step up action on voter access and distribution to Polling Units.

“As a matter of urgency, the commission also intends to develop protocols for the cleaning up of the voters’ register, in collaboration with other agencies such as the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, and the National Population Commission, NPC.

“Other areas of reform include advocacy for affirmative action for greater participation of under-represented groups, a more robust voter education and public communication to combat fake news and misinformation.

“Furthermore, the commission intends to review the mechanisms for a more effective implementation of agreements on logistics with the transport unions and other service providers.

“This will be done by consolidating on the recent experience with early deployment and commencement of elections in the recent Ondo State Governorship election,” Yakubu said.

He said that with the conclusion of five major off-cycle governorship elections and nine out of 21 bye-elections since the 2023 General Election, INEC believed it was time to commence the implementation of the recommendations arising from the review of the general election.

Yakubu said that the softcopy of the report would be uploaded on INEC’s website in earnest.

Source: NAN

The post Election: INEC to review use of PVC for accreditation appeared first on Frontpageng.

Mustapha made the remark when he paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NDE, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo.

According to Mustapha, the presence of NDE in the 36 states of the federation, FCT Abuja and virtually all the 774 local government area councils in the country had underscored the importance of the directorate and in no small measure contributed to its achievements over the years.

The Director-General of the National Productivity Centre who expressed the desire of his organisation to collaborate with the NDE buttressed the need for synergy among federal government agencies to achieve optimum productivity and national economic growth which he said was the cardinal objective of the federal government.

According to him, “we have a lot in common; there is need for collaboration and synergy between the two organisations. We want to share the enriched capacity of the NDE. We have the techniques that can add value to your job creation programmes and schemes including the people you have trained to create jobs.”

READ ALSO: Kaduna: Bandits kill four, injure four, abandon five kidnap victims

“We are located in just 20 states, NDE has all the spread, including the 774 local area councils in the country; we want to leverage that to reach Nigerians and boost national productivity,” he said.

In his response, Fikpo observed that history was being made by the two organisations that incidentally were under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

He said, “it is the first time that agencies within the Federal Ministry and Employment are coming together for collaboration purpose”.

Stressing the need for cooperation among government agencies of like minds and mandates, Fikpo said “synergy is very important and cannot be over-emphasized especially among agencies of similar mandates in order for the government at the centre to achieve more rather than engage in petty jealousy and rivalry.”

He said NDE was determined to checkmate unemployment which is on the rise in the country due to many variables which included creation of many institutions of learning without proper planning on how to absorb the graduates and the damage done to many industries by the Covid 19 pandemic.

NDE, he said, operated within limited budgetary allocation which had curtailed her activities in some areas of job creation.

“NDE budget is limited, so the agency is careful about where to spread its tentacles.

“Nevertheless, NDE in the last three months has created over 500 micro businesses nationwide through training and financial empowerment.

“Apart from providing the basics in job creation such as marketable skills and starter packs, NDE also provides mentorship on how to increase value in market places. We give impetus on leading in tough times.

“We have also opened collaborative window to synergise with organisations and philanthropist individuals who are willing to assist the federal government in bridging the skill-gap in Nigeria. All these are within the policy priorities of the Bola Ahmed-led federal government.

“I am happy to inform you that over the years, NDE has made significant impact towards boosting informal sector of the economy through creation of blue collar jobs and provision of mentorship.”

Charging the National Productivity Centre to device means of checkmating the dwindling productivity output in the country, Fikpo said NDE would welcome inputs that enhanced productivity of staff and trained artisans from the NPC saying.

“Such infusion would drive production and vitalize the economy,” he said.

The post NDE, NPC meet over job creation appeared first on Frontpageng.

Clifford Zirra, NPC federal commissioner in Adamawa,  disclosed that the commission was only waiting for instructions from President Bola Tinubu to start the exercise.

Zirra spoke on Wednesday in Yola during  an interactive session with media executive on the status of preparations for the census.

According to the commissioner, Tinubu had been satisfied with the level of achievement recorded by the commission.

He said the census was vital exercise that played a significant role in shaping the future of the nation.

“It provides us with accurate and up-to-date data about our population, which is indispensable for effective planning and development.

READ ALSO: Beyond payments, technology cultivates farmland without soil

“The information collected during the census will serve as the foundation for policy formulation, resource allocation, and the implementation of various social and economic programs.

“The commission welcomes the decision of the Federal Government on the postponement of the conduct of the census in order to give the new administration the opportunity to have inputs in the census process,” he said.

According to him, the postponement had also given the commission the opportunity to further perfect its processes and systems for the conduct of the first ever digital census.

Zirra also disclosed that the commission had carried out all the necessary preparations towards the census such as the Enumeration Area Demarcation, conduct of pre-tests and trial census, training of field staff, establishment of ICT infrastructure across the country, among other activities.

Alhaji Abubakar Hamma-Adama, Director of NPC in the state, appreciated the support and collaboration between the commission and media organisations in the state during the preparation to date.

“We are grateful and thankful, also we want to solicit your continued support during the census whenever the date is fixed.

“Really, census will be successful only if there is good publicity and enlightenment,” he said.

The commission has also commemorated the 2023 World Population Day with theme “Unleashing the Power of Gender Equality: Uplifting the Voices of the Women and Girls to Unlock Our World’s Infinite Possibilities”.

Source: NAN

The post 2023 Census: We are waiting for Tinubu’s order —NPC appeared first on Frontpageng.

He, however, emphasized the need for the commission to be prudent in their assignment and work towards producing census data that would be credible and reliable.

Speaking at the State House in Abuja after receiving a briefing from NPC chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, the president expressed concern over the delay in conducting another enumeration in the country since the last exercise done in 2006.

He urged the NPC to view the delay as an opportunity to cash in on the advantages of the current electronic and digital age.

”It is disappointing that up until now we have not been able to conduct another enumeration of our people. I hope that this delay will be converted to a great opportunity in this electronic and digital age.

”The challenge is yours and I hope that during the demarcation you did, you would have noticed the migration of people to urban centres because of the extreme poverty and unemployment.

”Digitalizing the process will make your job easier and I don’t see why we don’t, by now, have a reliable database in Nigeria to identify ourselves and ascertain our numbers for planning purposes and  in time of disaster.

”I have listened to you and we will support you. Accuracy and integrity of your data is very important to Nigerians and for our national economic development programmes.

”We will support you but you have to be prudent and be determined to make a name for yourself. Goodluck, ” the president said.

In his remarks, the NPC chairman noted that the commission was on the verge of conducting the final training for the Census before they were caught up with the transition programme for a new government and funding challenges, necessitating the postponement of the exercise by the immediate-past president.

He briefed the president on the implementation status of the 2023 Population and Housing Census, requesting the issuance of a proclamation for a new Census date later this year or early next year.

Kwarra also highlighted the funding challenges faced by the commission, saying they were waiting on the president to support NPC and give the go-ahead for the conduct of the census.

He said the commission had demarcated the entire country, stating that only one or two places were left and that that would be done soon.

Kwarra said the commission had also trained 60,000 instructors that would further train enumerators and supervisors.

In a paper titled “Implementation Status of the 2023 Population and Housing Census,” the NPC requested the release of the allocated N31 billion capital allocation, in the 2023 budget, for preparatory activities.

The commission put the total cost of the Census, after a methodology review, at N546.72 billion.

Kwarra also requested the President’s approval for an additional N225.2 billion to cover training and fieldwork allowances, retraining of trainers, and the conduct of a second-class trial Census.

President Tinubu was also asked to approve and convene a stakeholders meeting with the organized private sector and foreign partners to galvanise funds for the Census.

Kwarra informed the president that Nigeria had developed a database that could be useful in national planning, infrastructure development, and revenue generation for the government.

”NPC having completed Mapping in March 2022, tested the market with the geospatial data by making it available to researchers at a ‘test price’ where it generated over N50 million through REMITA.

”To this end, with a full integrated spatial and statistical data, government geospatial policy and coordination, NPC can generate up to 14 billion dollars and further save a lot of resources for the nation through automation of economic planning by 2028,” he said.

The post Census: Tinubu pledges support for NPC, calls for data integrity appeared first on Frontpageng.