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NPC Holds Stakeholder Engagement On Trial Census In Okochiri
The National Population Commission (NPC), Okrika Local Government Area, has held stakeholder engagement with the relevant stakeholders in Ancient Okochiri Kingdom, as part of the commission’s strategic engagement and collaboration in ensuring a smooth and successful conduct of the forthcoming Trial Census and the 2023 Population and Housing Census.
Okrika was amongst the nine LGAs selected for the exercise in Rivers State, and Okochiri Kingdom was mapped out for the trial census in the area.
In her opening speech, the Comptroller, National Population Commission in Okrika, Mrs. Ayibia Asuefien Eli, appreciated the stakeholders for granting them audience.
She stated that they were in the area on the mandate of the commission in preparation for the upcoming trial census, which is to be carried out in order to evaluate all aspects of census operation.
Speaking during the stakeholders’ meeting, the state Director of the National Population Commission, Rivers State, Ms. Barika Glory Nwineh, applauded the magnanimity of the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Micheal Tom; for his visionary drive in bringing development and sustained peace to his kingdom and Okrika at large.
Barika appreciated the concerted effort of the Okochiri Traditional Council of Chiefs for their disposition and commitment in supporting NPC programmes in the area.
She stated that the trial census was a dress rehearsal to evaluate all aspects of the census operation before the main census on a limited scale, which would kick-start on July 11, 2022.
She urged the stakeholders to give support to the commission to carry out the trial census successfully.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Hon Akuro Tobin, who was represented by Hon.Temaso Benjamin Sekibo, applauded the National Population Commission for choosing Okrika in Rivers State for the trial census.
Tobin reiterated his commitment and readiness to give support to the commission for the success of the exercise.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of Okochiri Traditional Council of Chiefs, Chief Emmanuel, on behalf of the Chairman, Okochiri Traditional Council of Chiefs, Chief. Jackson Tom Adoki Ibiteinbo, and the Okochiri chiefs, appreciated the commission’s mandate to carry out the trial census in their kingdom.
“We will support you to the fullest and ensure that exercise comes out successful”, he added.
In a thank you message, Barika appreciated King Ateke Micheal Tom, the Okrika Local Government, Okochiri Traditional Council of Chiefs, CDC in Okochiri, the women and youths for providingnecessary support to the commission.
Others in attendance were:HoD, Public Affairs Department, Mr. Ipalibo George, staff of the Public Affairs Department, Mrs. Eno Attah, and a staff of the commission in the LGA, Miss. Marian Daka, chiefs of Ancient Okochiri Kingdom, CDC, women and youths.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.