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.
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar- Faruk, says National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members do not suffer anything in his domain, as they lack nothing.
The emir made the statement when he received the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’idu, on a courtesy visit on Thursday in Daura.
According to the emir, NYSC is the only programme left for all Nigerians that ensure unity, from government to communities and individuals.
Umar-Faruk called on all Nigerians to see the NYSC members as, ”Children of necessity, orphans who has no family, Children that also need assistance, protection, guidance and comfort.
“NYSC members should not be seen as vulnerable for exploitation and molestation, they should be provided with shelter, food and everything that will make them comfortable in any place they found themselves
“Corps members don’t suffer anything in my domain, they lack nothing, because I always do my best to ensure they are well accommodated.
”He advised other communities in the country to do the same for the development and sustenance of the scheme, stressing that NYSC has done so much for the unity and integration of Nigeria after the civil war.
Earlier, Sa’idu told the emir that he was in his palace being one of the critical stakeholders to report that he has resumed office as the new NYSC coordinator in the state, and also to request for his blessings.
The coordinator assured the emir that the scheme would continue to collaborate with the Emirate Council towards the development of the country and the nation’s unity.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the NYSC Katsina State End of Service Year Publication to the Emir. (NAN)
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) says some delays in Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund creation and implementation are caused by community members and litigations.
The HOSTCOM said pending issues by host communities in choosing members and chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) delayed the implementation of the HCDT funds.
Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi, National President, HOSTCOM, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja while making clarifications on recent claims on the Host Community Project Funding in Akwa Ibom.
Report says that HCDTs are responsible for managing and distributing oil company funds to the host communities, ensuring that resources are used effectively for community development projects.
Host communities in Akwa Ibom had expressed frustration over the delayed release of funds by oil companies to HCDT which it said hindered the implementation of projects outlined in their respective development plans.
Community representatives from HCDTs in Ibeno, Eket, Mbo, Esit Eket, Uruan and Ikot Abasi LGAs claimed that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) failed to enforce statutory sanctions on oil companies that delay funds.
Tamaranebi, who condemned the recent publication regarding alleged delays in funding development projects in host communities in the state, urged the public to disregard it as it was unfounded.
“We must state clearly that some of the delays of HCDTs creation are caused by community members and litigations over who wants to be a member and chairman of the Board of Trustees which has nothing to do with NUPRC.
“So, we advise communities to conduct themselves properly for the benefit of the HCDT funds,” he said.
He recalled that the NUPRC initiated the HCDTs Forum to meet with community representatives through its HCDT trustees to address broader issues and grievances ensuring continuous dialogue between host communities and the operators.
The national president said the forum had promoted transparency and accountability ensuring that community voices were heard at a higher level.
Tamaranebi said there was registration of reputable 34 asset/fund manager to invest 20 per cent of the three per cent Operating Expenses or Expenditure (OPEX) on behalf of the trusts.
“Some of the trusts are already benefiting from the dividend of this investments.
“These achievements underscore the commitment of the NUPRC and Settlors to the sustainable development of host communities.
“We encourage all stakeholders, including community members and operators, to maintain open lines of communication with the HOSTCOM or NUPRC,” he said.
On concerns regarding funding or implementation of projects, he urged parties to engage with HOSTCOM directly for resolution rather than resorting to public statements that may misinform or escalate tensions.
He added that HOSTCOM was actively monitoring the situation in Akwa Ibom and other states to continue to advocate for the rights and developmental needs of local communities.(NAN)
The Nigerian Army has stressed the importance of responsible social media usage in contributing to national security and development.
Maj. Gen. Sanusi Dahiru, Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, made this remark at the 37th Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar in Calabar on Thursday.
Dahiru, who was the Special Guest of Honour said the seminar, noted that social media could shape the security environment but could also be misused to spread harmful content.
He encouraged Nigerians to support the army and promote community engagement.
On his part, Maj. Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, Chief of Civil Military Affairs, emphasised responsible online behaviour to enhance national security.
He warned against spreading unverified information and urged Nigerians to be mindful of those sowing discord.
Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, acknowledged social media’s impact on society but also highlighted its negative tendencies, such as cyberbullying and depression.
He advocated for the military’s involvement in social media to address security challenges.
(NAN)
NYSC Members Lack Nothing in Daura – Emir
Share The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar- Faruk, says National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members do not suffer anything...
Host Communities, Litigations Delay Trust Fund Implementation – HOSTCOM
Share The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) says some delays in Host Community Development Trust (HCDT)...
Nigerian Army Emphasises Responsible Social Media use for National Security
Share The Nigerian Army has stressed the importance of responsible social media usage in contributing to national security and development....
Defence Minister Lauds Troops in Kaduna
Share The Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru, said he will be visiting military formations in Kaduna State, including Birnin Gwari and...
CIBN, Sanwo-Olu, others Encourage Youth to Embrace Technology for Self-Development
ShareGov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has advised the youth in the state to actively embrace social media and technology...
Centre Destroys 2,400 Illicit Weapons in Abuja
Share The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Office of the National Security Adviser,...
FCTA Seeks End to Accidents Involving Dispatch Riders on Abuja Roads
ShareThe Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has trained dispatch riders on safety measures to curb avoidable accidents involving motorcycles on...
Jigawa Explosion: FG Promises to Assist Majia Town
Share The Federal Government says it will assist Jigawa in rebuilding Majia town where a recent fuel tanker explosion killed...
APC Instigating Crises in Opposition Parties – NNPP Alleges
ShareBy Mike Odiakose, Abuja The National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Ajuji Ahmed, has alleged that the...
S/South APC Annul Suspension of Lokpobiri
ShareBy Mike Odiakose, Abuja South-South zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has annulled the purported suspension of the Minister...