The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • Nigeria’s progress hinges on governance over politics, stakeholders declare at Advocate lecture 

    Nigeria’s progress hinges on governance over politics, stakeholders declare at Advocate lecture 

    Leaders in governance, academia, civil society and media converged on Ughelli, Delta State, on Friday to dissect the widening gap between politics and governance in Nigeria. 

    It was at the second edition of the Advocate Publication Ltd Annual Lecture Series with the theme: “Between Governance and Politics: The delicate balancing to ensure growth and development.”

    Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, Chief Executive Officer of Advocate Publication Ltd, publishers of Advocate Newspaper, noted the lecture series was borne out of a desire to trigger vital conversations about the nation’s development. 

    “We are disturbed by a trend where the obsession with political survival overshadows the responsibility of governance. Officeholders get sworn in and immediately begin preparing for the next election,” he lamented.

    Onitsha stressed that Nigeria cannot progress when leaders treat governance as a secondary concern. 

    “We must begin to interrogate what value politics brings if it fails to deliver development. This platform is our contribution to nation-building — to inspire a reset in thinking and practice among our political leaders,” he added.

    Chairman of the event, Olorogun Austin Emaduku, described governance and politics as two forces that must operate in synergy.

    “Governance is about policy implementation while politics is about power dynamics. But if power is pursued without a governance agenda, the people suffer. We need to strike a balance that ensures both serve the national interest,” he said.

    Emaduku argued that sustainable growth can only come when politics supports governance rather than obstructing it. “Strong institutions, ethical leadership, and active citizen engagement are necessary pillars for this balance,” he added, urging citizens not to be passive but to demand accountability.

    Keynote speaker, Prof. Abanum Innocent Ifelunini, a development economist, said Nigeria’s underdevelopment can largely be traced to the politicisation of governance. 

    “When short-term political interests take precedence over long-term planning, there can be no meaningful development. We must rethink politics and insist on responsible governance,” he advised.

    Speaking to journalists after the event, Prof. Ifelunini further emphasised the need for continuity in economic policy and national planning. “Governance must not stop because politics is heating up. Politicians must understand that true leadership means looking beyond the next election,” he said.

    Amb. Pas Edewor Egedegbe, moderator of the panel session and Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, noted that citizens have a role to play in bridging the gap between politics and governance. “Too many Nigerians only wake up during elections and go back to sleep afterward. Governance begins where politics ends — we must learn to hold leaders accountable all year round,” he said.

    Egedegbe added that events like the lecture series were timely, especially with unfolding political developments in Delta State. “The relevance of this conversation cannot be overstated. Citizens must stop clapping for politicians who fail to deliver. Our silence is complicity,” he said.

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    Onitsha pointed to what he described as a national crisis of misplaced priorities. “Even at the federal and state levels, midway into political terms, we see more campaigns and power plays than policy conversations. Where then is governance?” he asked rhetorically.

    According to Onitsha, the lack of visible development agendas is a symptom of a deeper structural problem. “If governance continues to be sacrificed on the altar of political ambition, we will keep recycling poverty and stagnation,” he warned.

    Discussants at the event included Prof. Andrew Agboro, Amb. Stella Odika, and Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, who all echoed the need for electoral reforms, institutional strength, and public enlightenment to fix the imbalance between politics and governance.

    Participants praised Advocate Newspaper for its foresight in hosting the lecture. One attendee said, “This isn’t just a lecture; it’s a wake-up call. Our future as a nation depends on getting governance right.”

    As the session closed, the consensus was clear — Nigeria must recalibrate its leadership ethos. Politics should no longer be a game of survival, but a tool to engineer lasting development. Governance, they said, must once again take its rightful place at the heart of leadership.

  • Local production of oil pipelines will complement foreign importation – FG

    Local production of oil pipelines will complement foreign importation – FG

    The federal government has reiterated its commitment to promoting the development and sustainability of local content in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

    The Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, made this known on Thursday during the launch of Monarch Alloys 33LPE and concrete weight coating facility in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

    Lokpobiri stated that the government would continue to encourage the local production of oil pipelines and support indigenous manufacturers.

    Highlighting the critical role of pipelines in the oil and gas sector, the minister noted that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) was established to build the capacity of Nigerian companies to effectively service the industry.

    He expressed happiness that for the past 15 years, NcDmb has laid a solid foundation for companies to spring up.

    He, however, expressed concerns over its sustainability.

    “I’m very happy that companies like this are now springing up in Nigeria.

    “But what is more important is not what all of us are getting here to witness. What is more important is the sustainability of this company. If this company is not patronised by companies in the oil and gas industry, this company will die naturally.

    “In the past, Nigeria used to be a dumping ground for companies importing these pipes from China. I also do know that a couple of companies like this were set up and they found it very difficult to survive because we allowed dumping to take place.

    “Let me take this opportunity to say today that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, dumping will be no more. We have a duty to support our industries to grow and render the services that are relevant to the survival and sustainability of the oil and gas industry,” the minister said.

    Speaking to the NCDMB team, he noted, “I’m very happy that I see the entire NCDMB family seated here. The ES is here. I saw all the directors who are here. Let me say that the pipes the industry needs are right here in Monarch Alloys Limited. And what I see and the complaints I get are that, instead of implementing a local content act, what is being done is that waivers are being given for Chinese products to be brought in, thereby killing companies like this one. That’s why I’m saying it’s very important for us to gather here today.”

    “I want to see how, in the next year, this company will grow. You know, in its capacity to be able to provide services, not just to Nigeria, but the entire African continent. The whole of Africa is looking up to Nigeria for services, for knowledge sharing. Whatever you think about the oil and gas industry, the rest of Africa is looking up to Nigeria. And for Nigeria, one of the most fundamental problems we have is the integrity of our pipelines.”

    The oil minister maintained that Nigeria can easily produce 3 million barrels of oil per day, but the challenge is that the pipelines are old.

    “Some of those pipelines are 60 years or more. I’m not even 60, so some of them are even older than me. So they have already outlived their lifespan. And it’s a very easy fraction, that gives another opportunity for companies in the midstream and downstream to also make relevant investments in that sector,” he posited.

    Lokpobiri added that the Federal Government will continue to support industries like Monarch Alloys to grow so that it can retain their value in-country.

    “Any pipe we import from any country, we are creating and sustaining jobs elsewhere. Any pipe we buy from this company and other companies like this, we are retaining jobs in Nigeria, and we are retaining value in Nigeria. That is why as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the NCDMB, I will have a problem with the board if I hear that instead of patronising Nigerian companies, waivers are being given.

    “If we allow dumping to persist, no more new investment will come in. So, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to come here in the next year to see how this company has grown and how we have also supported them using local content. I’m very happy that the role of local content in the board is publicly acknowledged,” he submitted.

    In his speech, the Chief Executive Officer of Monarch Alloys, Atul Chaudhary, disclosed that the company is ending steel importation into Nigeria.

    He said the company has grown steadily to become one of the leading producers of steel today in the country.

    “Before the time we set up in the country, we used to import steel. The country used to import all the iron rods in the country. But today, because of local production, we don’t need to import anything,” he said.

    Chaudhary noted that the firm was able to set up the factory in less than two years, from May 2023 to January 25.

    He said the company is looking forward to more investments in the country, saying it has an annual capacity of 2 million square meters per annum and can close up to 500 pipes per day.

    The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, said the facility represents another step forward in the country’s ability to provide advanced pipeline infrastructure which is designed, built, and completed here in Nigeria.

    According to him, the facility is a testament to what is possible when private enterprise aligns with national vision, and when local capacity is not only developed but demonstrated with confidence.

    “At the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, we are particularly proud of this development because it speaks directly to the mandate of the Board. It strengthens our value chain, deepens local participation, and affirms our collective commitment to building an oil and gas industry driven by Nigerians,” Ogbe said.

  • Rivers Crisis: Niger Delta group slams Ibas over refusal to honour Reps invitation 

    Rivers Crisis: Niger Delta group slams Ibas over refusal to honour Reps invitation 

    The Niger Delta Democratic Alliance (NDDA) has criticised Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the sole administrator of Rivers State, for his handling of the state’s deepening political crisis, accusing him of lacking credible leadership.

    In a statement on Friday, NDDA President, Chief Timi Tamuno Jack, said instead of easing tensions or fostering dialogue, Ibas had sidelined key stakeholders and worsened political hostilities in the state.

    The group said its decision to pass a vote of no confidence was not only due to Ibas’ leadership style but also his apparent refusal to work with elected officials and political players.

    According to the NDDA, the sole administrator has failed to honour invitations from lawmakers to provide updates on the state’s affairs, while also excluding local leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations from peace-building efforts.

    “We expected Admiral Ibas to appear before the legislature to explain his roadmap for peace and reconciliation. Instead, he chose silence and arrogance. That posture tells us everything we need to know.

    “He has not convened one single townhall meeting since his controversial appointment. There has been no attempt to engage Rivers people, not even the local government executives or youth leaders. What exactly is his strategy? You cannot solve a political crisis by issuing military-style directives from behind a desk.”

    The NDDA described the situation in Rivers as “a ticking time bomb,” warning that if the federal government continues to allow Ibas run the state without local participation, the consequences could be dire.

    Read Also: Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas, Reps Committee meet today

    “We are sitting on a keg of gunpowder. The people are losing faith and yet the man in charge is doing absolutely nothing to unite them. His presence in that seat has become a threat to the state’s stability,” Jack said.

    The group, therefore, Ibas’ immediate removal, calling on President Bola Tinubu to reverse what it described as “a costly miscalculation” that has only inflamed tensions rather than healed them.

    “We are calling on Mr. President to do the needful. Ibas must go! He does not have the temperament, the political wisdom or the stakeholder trust needed to lead Rivers State through this delicate moment. The sooner he is replaced, the better for all of us,” Jack declared. 

    “This is not a military cantonment. This is a democratic state with a history of resilience and resistance. If Admiral Ibas continues on this path, he will face not just a vote of no confidence, but the full weight of public rejection,” he warned.

  • When Okpebholo’s economists stormed Washington for Edo’s economic growth

    When Okpebholo’s economists stormed Washington for Edo’s economic growth

    By John Mayaki 

    Edo Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo seems to have been quiet but focused in  scripting a new chapter in Nigeria’s subnational economic diplomacy – at least, details from the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., has revealed Okpebholo’s mission – a chapter built not on loans and liabilities, but in bold partnerships and forward-looking investments. 

    In the midst of this global buzz in Washington, Okpebholo’s mission and those of his economists who were in attendance are clear – to reposition the state for sustainable development and magnet for capital inflows across vital sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, education, agriculture, and manufacturing. Okpebholo’s strategy is rooted in one principle – build, don’t borrow. And, if you must borrow, it must be tied to development. 

    And so, a high level delegation of men was deployed to lead the state’s economic pitch and her efforts in Washington and they showcased the State as the most investment-ready subnational economy in Africa. 

    At the forefront of this global investment campaign is a carefully assembled trio of technocrats and professionals whose combined experience spans international finance, strategic governance, and policy innovation. 

    Leading the team was Hon. Emmanuel Okoebor, the Commissioner of Finance for Edo State, who has to his credit, over 25 years of experience in banking and public finance. 

    Before his appointment as the Commisioner for Finance, he previously held senior leadership roles at Standard Trust Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA), where he served as Deputy General Manager and Regional Manager, overseeing 15 branches and over 500 employees across Edo State.

    A seasoned financial strategist, Emmanuel combines deep industry knowledge with technical expertise, holding a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering and an MBA in Finance from the University of Benin. He is a COREN-registered engineer and member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, HCIB, and Nigerian Institute of Management.

    His career tells of a strong commitment to operational excellence, fiscal innovation, and economic development.

    On this delegation was Hon. Kizito Okpebholo, Special Adviser to the Governor of Edo State, Nigeria on Finance, Investments, and Revenue Generation. A seasoned financial services professional with nearly two decades of experience across commercial and investment banking, capital markets, and the public sector. 

    He has held leadership roles in regional and globally recognized institutions, including Zenith Bank, Canaccord Genuity, and Morgan Stanley, where he served as Vice President. 

    His public sector experiences span two continents, having worked with the Government of Ontario, Canada, and currently serving as the State Portfolio Focal Person for World Bank-financed programs in Edo State.

    A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Scrum Master, and Business Continuity Professional, Kizito is passionate about building resilient financial systems and delivering impact-driven reforms in governance and development finance.

    Also among the delegation was Hon. Chief Comrade Taiwo Akerele – the third pillar of the team. He is a policy economist and global thinker whose academic background includes stints at Harvard, Carleton, Stellenbosch, and Ibadan. 

    A former Chief of Staff in Edo State and the immediate past Project Coordinator for the World Bank’s Public Financial Management and Youth Employment Program, Akerele is also the Country Representative of Policy House International.

    Read Also: NiMET strike: United Nigeria Airlines assures passengers of safety

    Together, this trio which representations a blend of pragmatic experience, academic excellence, and strategic foresight had their unambiguous assignment cut out for themselves and that was to pitch Edo state as Africa’s rising investment hub. 

    From boardrooms to bilateral summits, the team showcased a robust portfolio of bankable projects in mining, oil and gas, Agro-processing, SME development, and housing. Their message was clearly clear – Edo is open for serious business. 

    Most importantly and central to these engagements in Washington was the Multi-Sector Global Partnership Summit, co-hosted by the Edo State Government in collaboration with ReadyToLead Africa and Policy House International. This summit was not a talk shop; it was a marketplace for meaningful connections, where intentions are matched with capital, and rhetoric is replaced by results.

    According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Fred Itua, “This isn’t the Edo of hopeful proposals and unending PowerPoints. This is a government that has done its homework. We’re offering transparency, vision, and projects that are ready for takeoff.”

    Okpebholo’s administration is also positioning the state to benefit from the World Bank’s $50 billion Africa-focused investment pipeline scheduled for 2025–2026. Through strategic tools like Investment Project Financing (IPF), Multilateral Investment Guarantees (MIG), and Technical Assistance (TA), Edo hopes to secure support for public-private infrastructure ventures, academic exchange programs with Ambrose Alli University, social protection initiatives, and housing development.

    This renewed global engagement tells of a deliberate departure from the outdated reliance on debt-heavy models. Governor Okpebholo is pioneering a smarter pathway; I mean one that promotes equity-based partnerships and fiscal responsibility.

    “It’s a bold shift,” said Itua. “We are not asking for handouts or loans with punishing conditions. We’re offering value – for investors, for partners, and most importantly, for the people of Edo.”

    No doubt, the global economy is undergoing realignment and international capital seeking stable, growth-ready destinations, Governor Okpebholo is making sure that Edo State is not left behind. This Washington offensive is more than a diplomatic visit – it’s a declaration of intent.

    One thing is certain – the Okpebholo administration is not just chasing investments; it’s building a future where prosperity is planned, growth is shared, and development is measured not in borrowed billions, but in empowered citizens.

    I have no doubt that with this bold step into the corridors of global capital, the Edo story is changing – I call it, “one investment at a time”.

  • NDYC faults call to probe Kyari

    NDYC faults call to probe Kyari

    The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has faulted the call for a probe into the tenure of Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    In a statement by the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, NDYC described the call for a probe as “ill-advised” and an “orchestrated campaign of calumny” aimed at discrediting Kyari’s legacy of reforms in the oil and gas sector.

    The group highlighted Kyari’s achievements, including the transformation of the NNPC into a commercially oriented entity, rehabilitation of refineries, and efforts to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

    They also noted his promotion of the “Decade of Gas” initiative, which aims to transition Nigeria from an oil-dependent economy to a gas-powered industrial nation.

    The NDYC expressed disappointment that the group calling for the probe, “Concerned Citizens Against Corruption,” would peddle conjecture and half-truths without verified evidence to substantiate their claims.

    They urged the authorities to disregard the call for a probe and instead focus on promoting transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.

    Read Also: Protesters demand prosecution of ex-NNPCL CEO Kyari

    The NDYC commended Kyari’s leadership and described his tenure as a “case study in leadership transformation, corporate turnaround, and energy sector evolution.”

    “Mr. Kyari should be commended, not condemned. His tenure should be studied in policy schools as a case study in leadership transformation, corporate turnaround, and energy sector evolution.

    “We urge the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation to disregard this sponsored circus and focus on legal reforms that will continue to uphold justice, transparency, and institutional integrity.”

  • Lawmaker urges NBA to return Rivers N300m

    Lawmaker urges NBA to return Rivers N300m

    A member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, Mr. Solomon Bob, has taken a swipe at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), accusing it “misguided praetorian pretentions” following the association’s condemnation of the state of emergency in Rivers State.

    President Bola Tinubu had on March 18, 2025, issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State after a prolonged crisis involving Governor Siminilayi Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. 

    The crisis had assumed a dangerous dimension following a fresh impeachment move against the governor, leading to the blowing up of petroleum infrastructure amid threat to violence and social unrest before the president stepped in.

    The president’s proclamation was followed two days later by the National Assembly’s ratification as required by section 305 of the constitution.

    Read Also: Rivers stakeholders urge Tinubu to lift suspension of Fubara, lawmakers

    Justifying the declaration of a state of emergency in his home state in a statement, Mr. Bob said: “NBA cannot circumscribe or amend the clear untrammelled and discretionary powers granted the President by Section 305 of the constitution.

    “Neither is the NBA in a position to interpret or determine what measures qualify as extraordinary – which the President is required to adopt under the same section.”

    The lawmaker stated further that the NBA does not have “the jurisdictional competence or ethical example to be a barometer for measuring democracy and constitutionalism.” 

    He claimed that an association of lawyers, which should be a model of democratic participation, has gotten to the point where the NBA is “unable to organise its elections based on the principle of universal franchise, devoid of zoning.”

    Hon. Bob said that since the fiasco of the 1992 conference, “so-called NBA elections are no more than predetermined coronation of regional or even ethnic hegemons.”

    While also describing the NBA’s statement as a distraction, the federal lawmaker stated further: “Having witnessed Fubara’s dangerous and incomparable incompetence first-hand, and the embarrassing diminution his actions have exposed my state to, I consider the statement arrogant and a gratuitous insult.”

    He accused the NBA of “rank hypocrisy and insincerity because it stood idly by without a whimper” when suspended governor acted in a way “never before seen in any state in Nigeria.”

    Mr. Bob said that NBA’s priorities lay elsewhere. 

    He claimed that “the NBA had got itself entangled in a sweetheart deal with Fubara, a quid pro quo, and it was set to use the Port Harcourt conference to whitewash the worst misgovernment of any state in Nigeria.” 

    He demanded that the N300million be returned to the coffers of the Rivers State government, failing which the authorities in Port Harcourt should take every necessary step to recover it.

  • Dafinone mourns demise of Ovie of Udu HRM Owhorhu I at 86

    Dafinone mourns demise of Ovie of Udu HRM Owhorhu I at 86

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has commiserated with the people of Udu Kingdom, the royal family and the entire Urhobo Nation over the passing of His Royal Majesty, Barrister Emmanuel Bethel Otete Delekpe, Owhorhu I, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, on February 24, 2025, at 86.

    Reacting to the sad news, Senator Dafinone expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the revered monarch, noting that his demise has created a big void in the Udu Kingdom and Urhobo Nation that will be difficult to fill.

    Commiserating with the royal family, the Urhobo Nation, and the people of the Udu Kingdom. In a statement, Dafinone said: “I, Senator Ede Dafinone, on behalf of my family and the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District, extend my deepest condolences to the Urhobo Nation, the Udu Kingdom, and the entire royal family on the passing of His Royal Majesty, Barrister Emmanuel Bethel Otete Delekpe, Owhorhu I, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, who joined his ancestors on February 24, 2025, at the age of 86.

    “The official announcement made yesterday, Wednesday, by the Kingdom’s spokesman, High Chief (Sir) Samuelson Esikomunu Odibo, on behalf of the Udu Council of Chiefs, confirmed this great loss, which has left a deep void not only in Udu Kingdom but across Urhobo land and Delta State as a whole. His Royal Majesty’s 31 years of reign on the throne were marked by wisdom, peace, and unwavering commitment to the progress and unity of his people.

    Read Also: Dafinone hails Austin Avuru’s NNPC appointment

    “His Royal Majesty Owhorhu I, was a revered monarch, a legal luminary, and a father figure whose leadership brought remarkable development, cultural pride, and stability to Udu Kingdom. His legacies of justice, and community service will continue to speak for him in the hearts of his people and generations yet unborn.

    “As we mourn this irreparable loss, I join the entire Urhobo Nation in praying for the peaceful repose of his noble soul and for God to grant the royal family, the Udu Traditional Council of Chiefs, and all sons and daughters of Udu Kingdom the strength to bear this loss.

    “May the enduring legacy of His Royal Majesty, Owhorhu I, continue to inspire unity, peace, and progress in Udu Kingdom and the entire Urhobo Nation.”

    The late monarch’s passing marks the end of a remarkable era of leadership, as the Udu people and the broader Urhobo community reflect on his contributions to cultural pride, development, and peace.

  • Nigeria’s digital census: An imperative for development planning, sustainability, democratic integrity

    Nigeria’s digital census: An imperative for development planning, sustainability, democratic integrity

    By Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo

    Nigeria, the pulsating heart of Africa, stands at a critical juncture in its development trajectory. With a rich tapestry of cultures and a burgeoning population, the nation’s future hinges on the accuracy and integrity of its demographic data. 

    The history of census exercises in Nigeria is a complex narrative, marked by political tensions, logistical hurdles, and widespread distrust. From the colonial era counts, which were often viewed with suspicion and used to serve imperial interests, to post-independence attempts marred by ethnic and regional rivalries, .

    Nigeria’s quest for a credible, reliable and widely acceptable census is as old as Nigeria herself. However, the advent of digital technologies presents a transformative opportunity to break free from these historical constraints and usher in a new era of accurate, transparent, and efficient data collection. For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and his “renewed hope” agenda, embracing a digital census is not just an administrative necessity but a strategic imperative for charting a sustainable path to development, enhancing democratic processes, and solidifying a legacy of progress.

    The historical context of census-taking in Nigeria is crucial to understanding the current imperative for digital transformation. Past censuses have been heavily politicized, with figures often manipulated to gain political advantage and a larger share of national resources. The 1962 and 1963 counts, for example, were highly contentious and led to disputes that deepened existing ethnic fault lines. Subsequent attempts, such as the 1973 and 1991 exercises, faced their own set of challenges, including logistical nightmares, funding shortages, and lingering distrust. The 2006 census, while considered more credible, still faced criticisms regarding accuracy and coverage. These historical challenges underscore the urgent need for a paradigm shift, one that leverages technology to ensure transparency, accuracy, and reliability.

    In the current political landscape, a credible digital census is not merely desirable but essential. First, it can help depoliticize the process. By utilizing digital tools, data collection and analysis can be made more transparent, less susceptible to manipulation, and provide real-time data, reducing human error and enhancing the overall integrity of the census. This transparency is vital for building trust among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional groups, who have historically been wary of census results. Second, a digital census can provide the Tinubu government with the accurate and timely data needed for effective policy formulation and implementation. Whether it is healthcare, education, infrastructure, or social welfare programs, reliable demographic data is the cornerstone for targeted interventions. For instance, knowing the precise population distribution can help in planning the construction of schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure where they are most needed. It can also inform decisions about resource allocation, ensuring that funds are directed to areas with the greatest needs, thereby promoting equitable development.

    Furthermore, a digital census can significantly impact economic growth. Accurate data on the labor force, age distribution, urbanization patterns, and other key indicators can help attract foreign investment and guide private sector development. For attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) Investors need to know the market size, the skills available, and the demographic trends to make informed decisions. A digital census can provide this critical information, making Nigeria a more attractive destination for investment. Additionally, it can help in identifying areas with high unemployment and inform the design of targeted job creation programs. For Tinubu’s government, which has prioritized economic revitalization, a digital census is a critical tool for achieving its goals. By providing a clear and comprehensive picture of the nation’s economic landscape, it can help in crafting policies that promote inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and enhance overall economic stability.

    The success stories of digital census initiatives around the world offer invaluable lessons for Nigeria. In Asia, Pakistan, the National Database registration Authority (NADRA) successfully delivered their first fully digital census with biometric identification system replacing the traditional paper-based systems with real -time data synchronization and secure cloud-based storage. This has been instrumental in streamlining service delivery, reducing corruption, and improving governance. This massive digital identification program has not only facilitated the delivery of social benefits but also provided a robust framework for data collection and analysis. In Latin America, Brazil’s experience with electronic voting and data management linking its digital census result clearly demonstrates how technology can be used to enhance transparency and efficiency in large-scale governance processes. The country’s sophisticated electronic voting system has significantly reduced electoral fraud and improved the speed and accuracy of election results. In Africa, countries like Kenya and Rwanda have made significant strides in leveraging technology for data collection and analysis. Kenya’s Huduma Namba initiative, a digital identity system, aims to improve service delivery and enhance governance. Rwanda’s use of technology in its census and other data collection efforts has led to more accurate and timely data, which has informed effective policy decisions. These examples show that with the right strategy, investment, and political will, Nigeria can overcome its historical challenges and conduct a successful digital census. The Tinubu-led administration must therefore be decisive of this target clearly demonstrating the nexus that links Development Planning, Sustainability,  Democratic Integrity and Economic growth

    A critical aspect of Nigeria’s digital census success will be the collaboration between the National Population Commission (NPC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The NIMC’s existing National Identity Number (NIN) database can serve as a foundational element for the digital census. By integrating the NIN system with the census data collection process, Nigeria can enhance accuracy, reduce duplication, and ensure comprehensive coverage. This collaboration can also help in streamlining the registration process and reducing costs. Leveraging the NIN system for census purposes will not only improve the quality of the data but also further populate and also strengthen the national identity system itself. This synergy between the NPC and NIMC is essential for the success of the digital census and the broader national development agenda.

    Moreover, the successful implementation of a digital census has significant implications for Nigeria’s democratic processes, particularly the upcoming elections. Accurate and reliable demographic data is crucial for ensuring fair and credible elections. It helps in voter registration, constituency delimitation, and resource allocation to electoral bodies. By leveraging digital technology, Nigeria can enhance the integrity of its electoral process, reduce the risk of manipulation, and build public trust in the democratic system. A successful digital census will not only provide a reliable population count but also lay the groundwork for a more transparent and accountable electoral process.

    Read Also: Govt, Zinox seal N85b digital census deal

    However, the transition to a digital census is not without its challenges. Infrastructure limitations, particularly in rural areas with poor internet connectivity, pose a significant hurdle. Digital literacy levels also vary widely across the country, and training census enumerators and the public on using digital tools is essential. Moreover, data security and privacy concerns must be addressed to build public trust. Ensuring that personal data is protected and used responsibly is crucial for the success of the digital census. The government must invest in robust data protection measures, engage in public awareness campaigns to allay fears about data breaches and misuse, and ensure that all data collection and storage practices comply with international standards.

    For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the successful implementation of this digital census is more than a milestone; it is a transformative opportunity that holds the key to the nation’s future. This initiative transcends numbers and statistics—it’s about harnessing technology to overcome historical hurdles, eliminate political biases, and produce reliable data crucial for shaping effective policies. it will be a testament to this administration’s commitment to genuine progress, transparency and accountable governance . It will be referenced as a key success story, demonstrating the government’s ability to leverage technology for national development and democratic consolidation. This achievement will not only enhance the government’s credibility but also provide a solid foundation for future planning and policy making. 

    In conclusion, the nation eagerly awaits President Tinubu’s delivery of Nigeria’s first digital census—a groundbreaking step that promises to empower every citizen and forge a brighter tomorrow. This is a pivotal moment for democracy and development. Let us seize this opportunity to build the Nigeria we envision—one that is prepared to embrace the future with “renewed hope”, confidence, and purpose

    -Adeyanju Binuyo  (adeyanju@teranpico.com) –  A techpreneur , strategist and a sustainable development expert writes in from Abuja

  • Fufeyin hails ‘pillar of Niger Delta peace, development’ Tompolo at 54

    Fufeyin hails ‘pillar of Niger Delta peace, development’ Tompolo at 54

    General Overseer of the CHRIST MERCYLAND DELIVERANCE MINISTRY, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, has congratulated Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, who is also the chairman of TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited, on his 54th birthday.

    In a statement, Fufeyin described Tompolo as a brother, friend who is also  a humble, selfless and exceptional leader whose entire life has been dedicated to the defence, emancipation and the development of the Ijaw land and indeed the Niger Delta region.

    Read Also: Ikpokpo counts gains of Niger Delta Sports Festival 

    He also described him as friend and brother  Izon-Ebi Dou Keme of Ijaw nation as a philanthropist, pillar of support for community development and a beacon of hope to many youths.

    He said Tompolo has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the peace, progress, unity and stability of the Niger Delta.

  • We don’t want you in APC, Nwoko tells Oborevwori

    We don’t want you in APC, Nwoko tells Oborevwori

    Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) has told Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to perish the thought of joining the All Progressives Congress(APC). 

    He said the Governor is not welcomed in the party. 

    He spoke at the weekend when members of the Delta Unity Group (DUG) in Ika Federal Constituency defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in Agbor.

    According to him::“Oborovwori wants to come to APC, but tell him to stay where he is. He will be defeated. We don’t want him in APC. The President personally told me that he will deliver Delta to APC, maybe that is why the governor is desperate.”

    Nwoko expressed confidence in APC’s prospects in Delta State, assuring the crowd that the next Governor will emerge from APC, emphasising the party’s growing appeal due to PDP’s alleged 25 years of corrupt governance.

    Read Also: NDSF: Oborevwori pledges to transform Delta sports

    “Delta will surely become an APC state come 2027. 25 years of corrupt governance by the PDP in the state is enough. We must take over. The time has come for that to happen,” he added.

    He emphasised that APC is poised to deliver better governance and the party’s growing strength and momentum will ensure its victory in 2027.

    “Don’t let anyone doubt who you are. The next governor will be formed by you. As you go home, tell them that the next Governor of Delta State will be formed by the APC. 

    “Today, we are emboldened and happy that a large political group like the DUG is following my footsteps in joining the APC,” Nwoko said.

    Nwoko’s stance on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s rumoured defection plan to the All Progressives Congress (APC) aligns with former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. 

    According to Omo-Agege, the APC is open to welcoming new members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, are not welcome.

    Omo-Agege expressed confidence that the APC’s growing strength, bolstered by the defection of over 60% of PDP members since 2023, positions the party to deliver Delta State for President Ahmed Tinubu and sweep the 2027 elections, retaining all Senate seats and winning the House of Representatives and House of Assembly seats.

    Analysts feared Oborevwori’s defection may destabilise APC and spark a backlash from Delta State voters who see Oborevwori and Okowa as key figures in the state’s desire for change and their involvement with the APC could undermine the party’s prospects in the state.