News
2023 Census: Clergy Lauds NPC Management on Preparations
…urges cooperation from stakeholders
As preparations for the forthcoming national census gathers steam, the college of Bishops, Imams and Clergy Councils (CBICC) have passed a vote of confidence on the management of the National Population Commission (NPC) for its commitment to the successful conduct of the census slated later in the year.
Addressing a press conference at the Charity House Abuja on Thursday, the group General Secretary, Bishop Abel King noted with satisfaction the level of preparedness of the commission under the leadership of Alh Nasir Isa Kwara.
“Nigerians are anxiously awaiting a successful outing because the commission has demonstrated capacity to deliver on her mandate within the time frame and resources available”
“We all agree that census is a precursor to national development and Nigeria is long overdue for an accurate census which is the only way to gather reliable and accurate data for sustainable development”, the group maintained.
Giving further insights on the importance of national census to the development of the country, the clergy noted that all over the world civilization can only be possible with effective and reliable data. “It is this accurate data that attracts international donors, investors, both and local and foreign as well as help government with the distribution of resources and key infrastructure . “Without accurate data, there can be no meaningful development the group insisted.
“The forth coming census gives Nigerians the opportunity to be counted in order to fast-track development”
As clergymen with direct roots to the masses, we understand our role in creating awareness among our people to actively participate in this historic exercise so that government can have the needed statistics to offer dividends of democracy”
“The overall success of the 2023 national census exercise is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians beyond ethnicity, tribe and religion ” our involvement as clergy in creating awareness for the census among our people is a national call to duty and this forms the basis for the media briefing today” We must take back the message to our people in mosques churches, and everywhere to ensure that we get it right at the end of the exercise ”
The group comprising of both Islamic and christian clerics announced a special day of prayer rally for the commission to succeed in the forthcoming census exercise” we have to come back here and pray in solidarity for a successful national census slated a few months away ” we will invite you and fellow Nigerians accordingly ”
While commending president Buhari for his tremendous support to the Commission , the group noted that the census exercise will be one of Buhari’s greatest legacies bequeathed to this generation of Nigerians ” A credible census will place us on a whole new pedestal for sustainable development”
“We call on all stakeholders, media , civil society ,students , labor unions and all compatriots to join in the sensitisation of the masses in order to make the best of the exercise”.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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