The Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government has reported that Imo State ranks among the lowest in the Southeast region for National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment. This revelation was made by Commissioner Chimezie Amadi during a meeting with Ruby Emele, the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state.

The meeting aimed to establish a partnership between the ministries to tackle the low NIN uptake in Imo. Amadi noted that a new registration initiative is planned to increase enrollment, particularly in rural areas where participation has been notably low.

According to Amadi, out of an estimated 5 million residents in Imo, only 1.5 million have registered for the NIN. He stated, “Imo State currently has the lowest number of registered citizens with NIN among the five Eastern States. About 80 percent of those enrolled live in urban areas.”

He emphasized that obtaining the NIN is crucial for citizens to access federal government social investment programs, which promote transparency and accountability. Amadi warned that limited participation in NIN registration could prevent Imo residents from fully benefiting from available opportunities.

In response to these challenges, Governor Hope Uzodinma has initiated the Imo Digital Identity project to enhance enrollment and leverage federal loans and social investments. The initiative will be conducted in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), which has already trained field officers for deployment across all 27 local councils in the state.

Commissioner Emele expressed her ministry’s commitment to collaborating with Amadi’s team to ensure greater participation from rural communities. “The rural areas need support, and we are ready to work with you to achieve this shared goal for the benefit of Imo State,” she stated, adding that Local Government Chairmen and community leaders would be engaged to mobilize their areas for the enrollment process.

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has appointed Alhaji Dauda Iliya as his new official spokesperson and Special Adviser on Media. This decision comes in the wake of the passing of Mallam Isa Gusau, who served in the role until his death in February 2024.

The governor’s approval was communicated in a statement on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi.

Dauda Iliya, currently the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Borno State, hails from Kwaya-Kusar Local Government Area in the southern part of the state. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Linguistics from the University of Maiduguri and recently completed his master’s degree in Mass Communications from the same institution in 2024. Iliya has participated in various professional courses and training programs.

In addition to his role as a spokesperson, he is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters.

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has turned 65 but has chosen not to celebrate his birthday due to the prevailing hardships facing the nation. Speaking on a Sparkling FM Radio program monitored in Calabar, he expressed his feelings about the situation.

“I cannot, in all sincerity, celebrate my birthday with the expected fanfare amidst the current hardships,” Otu stated. He highlighted the impact of hyperinflation on the populace, saying, “There’s much suffering in the country. It would be insensitive to do so. That’s why it is a low-key event.”

Despite the circumstances, Otu expressed gratitude for the prayers and good wishes from the people of Cross River State. He reassured them of his commitment to making a positive impact during his tenure.

“I have held many positions in this country and have never disappointed. I vow that I shall not disappoint the people of Cross River State as their governor, by the grace of God. There will be value addition,” he affirmed.

Looking ahead, Otu announced plans to hold regular town hall meetings across the three senatorial districts in the state starting next year. He emphasized the importance of direct communication with the people, allowing them to ask questions and receive responses firsthand.