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UNFPA: Population Key to National Development

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UNFPA: Population Key to National Development

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Population Fund Agency (UNFPA) has said population management is key to national development by allowing for right choices to be made.

The Country Representative, UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria, Ms Ulla Mueller, said this at the ‘High Level Partners Engagement on the 2023 Population and Housing Census’ in Abuja, while also disclosing that the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs can only be delivered if Nigeria delivers its 2023 Census, urging everyone to get involved.

She said: “So taking that into consideration when we do a census in Nigeria, that kept a lot on the back. It’s well planned. And it was thought out. It’s a green census. Climate change is real. So we have together with the population commission gone over and beyond to ensure that we apply methodologies that are friendly to the climate to the extent possible. But it’s also going to help us make the right decisions about the climate as we go forward.

“The government has contributed already almost half of this budget and is commendable. We have to stand together figuring out how we take this to the goalpost. If we don’t, the world will actually fail to deliver the SDGs it’s not only Nigeria’s influence in Africa, it’s about Nigerians global influence as the third most populous country in the world 25 years from now.

“We cannot deliver the SDGs if we do not deliver the census in Nigeria so when you contribute to the census in Nigeria, you also contribute to the global promise and achieving and delivering on sustainable development goals and a world where no one is left behind”.

Mueller while assuring of continuous support to Nigeria, said the 2023 population census will offer Nigeria with the chance to choose potentials and opportunities particularly as the country is projected to reach 450 million mark by 2050.

She said: “Nigeria will be 450 million people in 2050 with 3.2 percent growth means the population will be doubled in 22 years is not much of a challenge. So we can choose to be 450 million strong and understand the possibilities and opportunities and well educated and well managed population offers to its country. Or we can choose to be 450 million blind and make decisions based in the dark on guess estimates, which means that we risk putting our investments not where they should be. We risk building schools in places where there are no women delivering children for instance, that would be a bad investment. We need to think about how do we do roads, where is the upcoming markets, that’s where it’s interesting for the private sector”.

She noted that it is estimated today that 70% of the population is under 30, with a lot of that population also under 18.

She added that: “Many of them would always now have started to produce the next generation. How are we going to educate them if we don’t know where they are? How are we going to ensure that there’s access to health care. How are we going to make sure that we have a grid that covers in the right spaces and that we expand that in the right faces? All of this evidence is what a census brings to the table. We were very challenged almost four years ago and I would like to also commend the government because of what many have done. But I also want to say the complexities of a census is mind blowing.”

, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Mathias Schmale who described census as a capital intensive project, called for mobilization of fund for its success.

Schmale also restated the commitment of the UN to continue to support Nigeria especially in making the 2023 census a success.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Ahmed, on her part said the need to address the inconsistency in the National Census and statistical system which limits the efficacy of development initiatives premised on obsolete data cannot be over-emphasize.

She said: “Our major challenge over the years had been the lack and/or inadequate funds to readily carry out such huge project in the face of pressing needs for social welfare and human capital development. It is worthy to note that 60 per cent of the funding and other requirements for the 2006 Census could not have been achieved without the invaluable support of the Development Partners, Corporate Bodies and other key Stakeholders. Indeed, the partnership and collaboration in carrying out the 2006 National Census took a lot of burden off the Government of Nigeria and enabled us to conduct a credible exercise whose outcome, served through the years.

“The data from the exercise has been useful in preparing our National Development Plans, implementation of Sectoral Plans and Initiatives, tracking follow-up actions for Global Conventions and Agreements, including the unfinished Agenda of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the Nairobi Commitments, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the Revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development among others”.

Also speaking the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clement Agba, gave an assurance of a digital, green and transformative census, which would meet international standards.

He said: “The Census was rescheduled for March 2023, but now recommended to hold in May 2023. This is a digital, green and transformative Census that meets international best practices. Some of the activities have been undertaken as scheduled including the conduct of a Trial Census. Government has demonstrated high level of financial and political commitment to the Census project in spite of the election cost and activities. UNFPA is providing significant technical and financial support to the Census programme. A Basket Fund managed by the UNFPA will be established for the redemption of pledges”.

He added that “a total amount of N889 billion would be required to conduct the census. So far the government has committed N291.5 billion to the census making it 46 per cent of total funding for the ncensus. There would be training of 885,000 persons for building numbering and household listing of all buildings in the country for seven days at average of N12,410 per day”.

UNFPA: Population Key to National Development

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Special Forces Troops Intercept Terrorists Planting IEDs in Zamfara

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Special Forces Troops Intercept Terrorists Planting IEDs in Zamfara

By Zagazola Makama

Special Forces Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have intercepted terrorists attempting to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along a strategic route in Gando Forest, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, operating under Operation TSAFTA DAJI III Phase 3, launched an ambush when they encountered a group of terrorists laying IEDs.

On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists fled into the forest under the cover of darkness, abandoning their explosives and equipment.

Recovered items include: One motorcycle, Three 25-litre jerrycans filled with IED components, 300 meters of sapper cable, one DET 33 electric detonator and one hoe used for planting explosives.

The Nigerian military has continued to maintain an aggressive posture against terrorists and criminal elements in Zamfara State, with Operation FANSAN YANMA and Operation TSAFTA DAJI III targeting bandit strongholds across Anka, Bagega, and Bukkuyum axis.

Special Forces Troops Intercept Terrorists Planting IEDs in Zamfara

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Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Dogo Wise Killed in Zamfara Rival Clash

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Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Dogo Wise Killed in Zamfara Rival Clash

By Zagazola Makama

A violent clash between rival bandit factions has resulted in the killing of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Dogo Wise in Zamfara State, sources familiar with the incident have confirmed to Zagazola Makama.

According to the source Dogo Wise was killed by another bandit commander, Kachalla Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka, following a dispute over ransom money. The deadly confrontation occurred at Dutsin Daru, Maradun Local Government Area.

Security sources revealed that the conflict erupted after Kachalla Dogo Wise allegedly seized ransom money that was meant for Kachalla Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka. The money was reportedly delivered by families of kidnapped victims, but Wise took full possession of it, refusing to share it with Kanin Na Eka.

Feeling betrayed, Kachalla Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka ambushed and killed Dogo Wise in retaliation, a move that has heightened tensions within the criminal underworld in Zamfara State.

“These bandits have no loyalty among themselves. When money is involved, they turn against each other. Dogo Wise made the mistake of crossing Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka, and it cost him his life.” sad the sources.

Meanwhile, following Dogo Wise’s killing, another powerful bandit leader, Kachalla Jimmu Sumoli, has vowed to avenge his death.

Jimmu Sumoli, a feared commander operating in Zamfara and parts of Sokoto State, reportedly declared that he would retaliate against Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka and his followers.

Source in Maradun LGA confirmed that Sumoli’s men have already begun mobilizing for a possible counterattack,
Implications for Security in Zamfara

The killing of Kachalla Dogo Wise adds to the growing infighting among bandit factions in the North-West, a trend that could weaken their operational strength but also trigger more brutal retaliatory attacks.

“While their internal conflicts reduce their cohesion, it also makes them more unpredictable and dangerous. We are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further violence spilling into communities.” said a military sources.

Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Dogo Wise Killed in Zamfara Rival Clash

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Chinese Chamber of Commerce Denies Shooting of Immigration Officer was Ordered by Chinese National

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Chinese Chamber of Commerce Denies Shooting of Immigration Officer was Ordered by Chinese National

By: Michael Mike

The Chinese business community in the country has denied the allegation that the shooting of the immigration officer at a Chinese firm was at the instruction of a Chinese national.

The Director General China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Dr. Cui Guangzhen in a statement said the said shooting could never have been ordered by a Chinese.

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to the reports that Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior condemned the shooting of an immigration officer allegedly on the orders of a Chinese company operating in Nigeria in a briefing on March 27.

“The China General Chamber of Commerce attaches great importance to the reports and carried out an immediate investigation.
Based upon the findings of police authority in Niger State, the incident mentioned by the Minister of Interior happened on the 21st of February, 2025 in Minna, Niger State.

“During a police action, the state police force was trying to effect an arrest of some local citizen who was suspected of stealing iron rods from a Chinese company. When encountering stiff resistance of the suspect, one of the police officers fired a shot and the bullet accidentally hit a passerby who was later identified to be an immigration officer.

“China General Chamber of Commerce would like to clearly state the following:
Neither Chinese citizens nor Chinese companies were involved in the incident. The allegation that a Chinese company employee ordered the shooting of a Nigerian immigration officer is utterly false.
The Chinese companies in Nigeria abide by the laws and regulations of Nigeria and are committed to the economic and social development of Nigeria.

@The China General Chamber of Commerce is saddened by the incident and sincerely wishes the injured a quick recovery.”

Chinese Chamber of Commerce Denies Shooting of Immigration Officer was Ordered by Chinese National

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