General News
NIGERIA MOVES CLOSER TO FRESH CENSUS, PRESIDENT TINUBU TO SET UP COMMITTEE
Nigeria took a step closer on Monday to conducting a new national population and housing census with biometric and digital components. The nation last held a census in November 2006. President Bola Tinubu, at a meeting at the Statehouse with officials of the National Population Commission (NPC), said he would set up a committee to align the census budget to the government’s present financial realities.
Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, stated that President Tinubu emphasized the importance of accurate census data, saying “We must ascertain who we are, how many we are, and how to manage our data. Without an accurate census, we can’t successfully plan for employment, agriculture, and food sovereignty. So many problems come up without accurate data”.
President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to ensuring accurate and reliable figures from the national census to strengthen development planning and improve Nigerians’ living conditions through more efficient social security. He also noted that government incentives, such as the sale and distribution of fertilizers, could be easily improved with more reliable data and demographics.
Bayo Onanuga stated that President Tinubu told the delegation that biometric capturing should be central to the process, with multiple identification features, including facial and voice recognition. The President emphasized the need for a definite path, saying “This stop-and-go activity on the census cannot work with me. So we better have a definite path. I will set up a committee for you to look at the issues critically and do a source and application of resources”.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the census data would be central to future planning and resource distribution. Onanuga noted that Bagudu stated the commission and the team need to agree on the minimum amount to source to support the President in making the final decision.
NPC Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, said the last census took place in 2006, and 19 years later, the figures were no longer relevant in planning, particularly for key sectors that directly impact the population. Onanuga stated that Kwarra said 760,000 tablets had been acquired and stored with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), assuring the commission would engage with development partners to seek support whenever President Tinubu proclaimed the new census. Onanuga added that Bayo Onanuga stated the President’s commitment to the census, and the need for accurate data to drive development planning and improve the lives of Nigerians.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.