The National Population Commission (NPC) has commenced the 2023–2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) in Niger State, which was aimed at improving health outcomes and custodians of a brighter future.
Addressing journalists during a news briefing at the Federal Secretariat office of the Commission in Minna on Thursday, the Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission in Niger State, Hon. Mohammad Dattijo Usman, stated that the support and cooperation of all stakeholders and non-governmental organisations (NGO) were required for the success of the survey.
The Federal Commissioner, who was represented at the news briefings by the State Director of the National Population Commission, Alhaji Nma Shehu, noted that the support, engagement, and collaboration received from relevant donor partners have been instrumental in bringing the commission to this point.
According to the federal commissioner, the success of the 2023–2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey will hinge significantly "on your continued commitment, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering dedication to this cause."
The National Population Commission, he explained, in collaboration with key partners, has diligently implemented the NDHS consistently, raising the bar for demographic and health data collection in Nigeria.
The launch of the survey at the state level, he explained, has reiterated the commission's commitment to upholding the same high standards of excellence and precision that have defined the NDHS over the years.
He enumerated the objectives of the 2023–2024 NDHS to include gathering high-quality data on a wide range of vital indicators, including fertility rates, maternal and child health, contraceptive use, childhood mortality, gender-related issues, nutrition, and HIV/AIDS.
Also, he said it included providing data supporting the evaluation needs of maternal and child health and family planning programmemes, enabling evidence-based planning and resource allocation, producing timely results, ensuring wide data dissemination, and informing programme managers and policymakers, among other objectives.
Speaking further, Alhaji Dattijo Usman noted that these objectives were not mere words on paper, "but they represent the path to a healthier, more prosperous Nigeria, a Nigeria that can address the unique needs of its citizens, promote gender equality, improve health outcomes, and reduce the burden of disease.".
While expressing his gratitude to some international donor agencies for their invaluable partnership, the NPC federal commissioner in Niger State appreciated the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Bureau of Statistics, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and other ministries, departments, and agencies for their support and their integral role in aligning the efforts with broader societal goals.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has launched the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund of the Nigerian Legion, Niger State Chapter.
The governor presided over the launch of the emblem at the Council Chamber of the Niger State Government House, Minna.
The governor, who acknowledged the numerous sacrifices made by the ex-servicemen to protect the sovereignty of the nation, where some paid the supreme price, said the emblem lunch was significant and the fallen heroes must be remembered.
He noted that security was at the top of his government's priorities, adding that collective effort was required from all and sundry to achieve it.
Governor Bago said the state will bring in members of the Nigerian Legion to train the vigilantes and forest guards, among other non-conventional security agencies, to make them more effective.
He assured the Nigerian Legion of his administration's unflinching support.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Niger State Chapter, Mal. Mamuda Baba Ahmed, explained that the annual celebration of Armed Forces Remembrance Day was to pay tribute to all the fallen heroes who fought tirelessly and paid the ultimate price for the peace and unity of the country.
He commended the sterling leadership qualities of the farmer governor, assuring that the Nigerian Legion will contribute its quota for the governor to achieve his "New Niger" agenda.
The chairman then appealed to the government, individuals, corporate organisations, philanthropists, and religious bodies for support to enable them to care for their welfare and the families of the fallen heroes.
He also requested office accommodation and an operational vehicle to convey security operatives to their duty posts.
Governor Umaru Bago, his deputy, Yakubu Garba, and all elected and appointed officeholders launched the emblem with a cumulative sum of N20 million, even as a minute of silence was observed in honour of the fallen heroes.
