NEWS
Census: CSOs Commend NPC on Readiness to Conduct Credible Exercise
By David Torough, Abuja
A coalition comprising numerous Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across the six geo- political zones of the country has commended the leadership of the National Population Commission (NPC) on the Commission’s preparedness to conduct a credible Census exercise at the earliest convenience of the President.
The coalition under the umbrella of Conference of Harmonized Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria (COHSCN) in a joint communique in Abuja at the weekend noted that Civil Society Organizations across the six geo political zones in the country have carried out a comprehensive assessment of the Commission’s preparedness to conduct a credible Census and indeed, from the interactions, engagements, surveys and evidence before our joint committees as collated from all the six geo political zones in the country, the Alh Nasir Isa Kwarra led management of the Commission is fully charged and ready to deliver a world standard census exercise once President makes the proclamation.
National coordinator of the coalition Dr Richard Oduma specifically appreciated the Commission for digitalizing the entire census project in line with international best practices and to enhance the overall credibility of the census exercise” this feat by the Commission is unprecedented and must be encouraged by all stakeholders so as to give the Commission the necessary morale boost needed to deliver on the mandate.
“Above all, it is important to reiterate that the success of any census exercise largely depends on the continued advocacy and information available to the public hence the need for sustained conversation on this very important exercise.” As patriots we owe the Commission a duty to maintain advocacy in our various spheres of influence no matter the sacrifices. “Because it is in the best interest of the people to be informed of the advantages of the census exercise so as to key into it as expected”
‘Indeed, the significant investment of resources by the federal government and donor agencies to assist the Commission in the, acquisition and development of massive technological infrastructure and hardware in preparation for the census exercise as well as the elaborate recruitment and training of manpower to compliment the highly modernized process is sincerely worth the wait and in the best interest of the country. “Our country for the first time is equipped with the necessary technological tools as well as the manpower needed to conduct a credible Census exercise that would be acceptable to both the local and international community ” This is a feat that is worthy of our collective public commendation. “Our charge to the Commission is to remain focused on the objective to deliver the first digital census in our history”
“The Commission has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the success of the census exercise by the systems and structures put in place ahead of the exercise, for us, this is the major take home and hence our appeal for continued advocacy “
The coalition also noted that the Commission under the current leadership has remained committed and ready to deliver when called upon by the president. ” Regardless of the limited resources available, the Commission has continued to engage and rebrand her personnel preparatory to the much awaited exercise ” Overall, from our assessment, the government is going to be the greatest beneficiary as only a credible Census will provide the needed statistics for planning, research and development of the people.
“Furthermore, we commend the frugality and accountability in the management of budgeted resources that has become a culture in the Commission’s policies over the years” The open governance policy of Mr President has resonated strongly with the Commission activities which has given us access to critical information that has boosted our confidence in the Commission ” The Civil Society Organizations have therefore come together to commend the Commission’s leadership and to show solidarity and support to ensure that Nigerians get a credible Census whenever the opportunity presents itself. “
The coalition further expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the people and the country further emphasizes the need for a credible Census in the shortest possible time “We hope the President is working in this direction, ” the statement added.
The coalition called on the Commission to join hands with Civil Society Organizations, faith based organizations and students groups to sustain the much needed advocacy ahead of the census exercise. “While the Commission is empowered by law to conduct periodic census, it is clear that the active awareness and participation of the citizenry in the exercise is what will make the objective realistic and we urge all stakeholders to volunteer on the advocacy needed for this noble exercise in the overall interest of development.
The Coalition, while leading the charge on collective and sustained advocacy by stakeholders, maintained that the gesture was a vote of confidence on the Commission and her leadership demonstrating the organic endorsement of the census exercise by citizens.
By Tony Bazim
Many Nigerians blame President Tinubu for everything happening in the country, but have we taken time to ask the right questions?
Every month, Local Government Chairmen receive allocations.
What projects are they using these funds for? How is your local community benefiting?State Governors also receive federal allocations and generate billions through taxes and other sources of revenue.
How are these funds being spent? Are the roads, schools, hospitals, and other public services reflecting the amount of money received?Good governance starts with accountability at every level, not just at the top.
If we focus all our attention on the President while ignoring those closest to us, we may be overlooking a big part of the problem.As citizens, we should demand transparency from our Councillors, Local Government Chairmen, Governors, House of Assembly members, and every public office holder entrusted with our resources.
Nigeria will make greater progress when we stop asking only, “What is the President doing?” and start asking, “What is every elected official doing with the resources entrusted to them?”
Let’s ask the right questions.
AskTheRightQuestions #Accountability #GoodGovernance #Nigeria
For comments, contributions, or discussions:
beco.tony@gmail.com
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Stakeholders in Kogi State’s built environment sector have called on the state Government to urgently enforce the Kogi State Urban and Regional Planning Law of 2010, warning that continued neglect of the legislation is fueling unregulated development, environmental degradation and urban disorder across the state.
The call was made during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Symposium of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Kogi State Chapter, held in Lokoja over the weekend.
The event, themed “Urban and Regional Planning in Kogi: Trajectory, Legal Issues and Prospects,” brought together town planners, policymakers, academics, and other professionals in the built environment to discuss strategies for sustainable urban development.
Speaking at the event, the outgoing Chairman of the institute, Stephen Nden, lamented that although the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992, as amended, was domesticated in Kogi State in 2010, it has remained largely inactive. He urged the government to immediately implement the law to enable professional town planners to effectively guide physical development and curb the growing trend of uncoordinated urban expansion.
According to him, “The implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning Law will empower town planners to effectively guide the physical growth of our urban centres and ensure orderly development. It is unfortunate that a law domesticated over a decade ago remains inactive despite the enormous benefits it offers.”
Nden stressed that achieving sustainable development requires collective efforts from all stakeholders in the built environment sector.
He further urged members of the institute to uphold professional ethics and strengthen collaboration with government agencies, local government councils, and academic institutions.
A resource person at the symposium, Ramatu Baba, expressed concern over the state’s failure to fully implement planning laws, noting that several environmental and developmental challenges, including illegal mining activities and indiscriminate construction, are linked to poor planning and weak enforcement mechanisms.
She said, “The absence of effective planning frameworks has contributed significantly to illegal mining activities and environmental degradation. Government must strengthen planning institutions and ensure strict compliance with development control regulations.”
Baba also decried the shortage of qualified town planners and other professionals in the sector, warning against construction on natural waterways and flood-prone areas.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Baba Adams Ndalai, emphasized that without the full implementation of planning laws and the establishment of a functional Urban and Regional Planning Board, cities and towns across the state would continue to witness chaotic growth.
He stated that Kogi State possesses immense potential for sustainable urban development if the right policies and political will are deployed.
Dr. Ndalai advocated the adoption of smart city initiatives, climate-resilient infrastructure, and inclusive spatial planning systems, adding that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) could significantly improve land administration and increase internally generated revenue.
“The future of Kogi lies in embracing technology-driven planning solutions. Through GIS-based planning and land management systems, governments can improve development control, monitor land use changes, reduce disputes, and strengthen revenue generation,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion and former National President of the NITP, Chief Isah Ichaba, urged members to remain united and committed to advancing the planning profession.
He noted that stronger collaboration among professionals would enable the institute to play a more effective role in shaping government policies and promoting sustainable development.
At the end of the AGM, members elected a new executive council to pilot the affairs of the Kogi State Chapter. Sani Daniel emerged as Chairman, while Femi Ayanleye was elected Vice Chairman. Other officers include Aishat Mohammed Jamiu (Secretary), Enikanolaye Isaac Adebowale (Assistant Secretary), Zainab Salau (Treasurer), Abdullahi Shaaban Aminu (Financial Secretary), Atodo Kerim Smaila (Auditor), Oshamehin Deborah (Public Relations Secretary), Yakubu Umar Onimisi (PRS II), Samuel Afolagbode (Social Welfare Secretary), Stephen Jonathan Nden (Ex-Officio I) and Michael Alhassan (Ex-Officio II).
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Sani Daniel, pledged to provide inclusive and result-oriented leadership aimed at strengthening the institute and advancing physical planning across the state.
Daniel disclosed that the AGM adopted several recommendations, including the preparation of comprehensive master plans for Lokoja and other major urban centres, implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning Law of 2010, development of a state-wide regional development plan covering all 21 local government areas, recruitment of more planning professionals, establishment of stronger institutional coordination mechanisms, integration of climate adaptation and post-mining reclamation strategies into planning policies, and full deployment of GIS technology in development control activities.
He added that the institute would collaborate with other professional bodies to create a stronger built environment advocacy platform capable of supporting government efforts in achieving sustainable urban development and making Kogi State a more attractive destination for investment and tourism.
South Korea’s National Election Commission (NEC) chairperson, Roh Tae-ak, on Friday offered to resign following a widespread shortage of ballot papers that disrupted voting in Seoul during this week’s local elections.
Roh made the announcement during a press briefing at NEC headquarters in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, expressing deep responsibility for the incident and apologising for eroding public trust in election management.
“The situation undermined voters’ confidence and participation in local elections, and I feel devastated as chairman,” Roh said.
NEC Secretary-General Heo Cheol-hoon also offered to resign, Roh added.
The presidential office said it “takes seriously” the resignations and called for a comprehensive review of election management procedures to restore public trust.
Officials stressed the need for the NEC to provide a clear explanation and implement strict follow-up measures.
The NEC plans to establish an independent committee of outside experts to investigate the cause of the shortage and propose preventive steps.
Ballot paper shortages were reported at more than a dozen polling stations in Seoul, including Songpa and Gangnam districts, causing temporary suspension of voting.
Some voters reportedly left without casting their ballots after waiting.
Protesters later gathered at a polling station in Jamsil, Songpa Ward, alleging election fraud and obstructing officials from transporting ballot boxes.
Police dispersed the crowd and transferred approximately 2,000 ballots to a counting centre.
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