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NPC Plans Digital Census In 2023 Seeks Army’s Support

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The National Population Commission (NPC) has said that it was ready to deploy digital equipment for the conduct of the 2023 National Population and Housing Census.
The Federal Commissioner in charge of Bayelsa State, Mrs. Izonfuo Gloria disclosed this at the opening ceremony of second level management training workshop for staff of the commission in the South-South zone in Port Harcourt.
Gloria, who represented the Zonal Director of the commission, Dr Ipalibo Harry said the commission was determined to ensure that the results of the exercise was credible and accepted by Nigerians and the international community.
She said a good knowledge of the processes as well as the census document was key to the success of the exercise.
Also speaking, the Director, Data Administration and Zonal Coordinator, Prince Abubeka Afegbua, said the use of digital technology in the conduct of the exercise would reduce human errors.
He said the commission expects its staff to key into the drive and the processes.
According to him, the commission was using hybrid technology in the conduct of the exercise.
Earlier, Rivers State Director of the exercise, Madam Barika Nwineh, said it was important that management staff of the commission be adequately trained and acquainted with the activities and having good knowledge of the census document, the techniques and the organisation of the census materials.
According to her, “The objective of the training is to ensure that the state directors, comptrollers and other senior management staff are exposed to detailed principles and methodologies for a successful census in the country”.
She also said that the training would provide a platform to train key personnel at the state and local government levels.
“During the training, areas of concentration will be on management rules, regulation and procedures that are necessary for the implementation of census taking”, she said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Mr Nasir Isa-Kwarra, yesterday, solicited the support of the Nigerian Army to conduct the pre-census exercise and the main census in 2023.
Isa-Kwarra made the call when he led the management team of the commission on courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
He said that NPC required the collaboration of the Nigerian Army to carry out its assignment considering the security challenges bedevilling the nation.
NPC boss said the Nigerian Army had continued to play important role in providing security for its officers on the field bearing in mind the volatile nature of some parts of the country.
“We are here to solicit your continued support as we continue to carry out other sensors exercises that will lead to the national census in April, 2023.
“We want to also engage with you to make sure that we deliver to Nigerians an accurate and generally acceptable census come 2023.
“Our job entails a lot of fieldwork and because of the current security challenge, we cannot go anywhere without the support of your men,” he said.
Isa-Kwarra said the delineation exercise had been completed in 774 local government areas remaining Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State and Abadem in Borno because of security challenge.
He also called on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya to direct commanders of the various formations to grant access to census officials to count Army structures during census.
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff, Farouk Yahaya, pledged to ensure adequate support for the commission in carrying out its assignments, adding that army had always supported all government agencies towards national objectives.
He said that both army and NPC were partners in progress in pursuing national agenda, especially the responsibilities for the population census.
Yahaya said that population census remained an important ingredient in national development, saying the data generated from the census would also be useful in the efforts to ensure national security.
“Be rest assured that the Nigerian army will continue to support you any time because this is a national call. So, anytime you come calling, we are ready willing to provide security and support for your job,” he said.

By: John Bibor

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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