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Reps restate commitment to fast-tracking demographic transition

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Speaker of House of Representatives,Femi-Gbajabiamila
Speaker of House of Representatives ,Femi-Gbajabiamila
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The House of Representatives has restated its commitment to making laws that would help to fast-track the country’s demographic transition.

Mr Femi Gbajibiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives said this at a parliamentary summit on fast tracking Nigeria’s Demographic Transition in Abuja on Monday.

Gbajibiamila acknowledged that the country was faced with population explosion.

“It is evident that we have population explosion in Nigeria, fast tracking underscores the urgency now, we need to double action.

“Members of the House of Representatives have shown commitment to achieving Demographic Transition through training of youths on skill acquisition,” he said.

The Speaker, however, identified education as key to achieving demographic transition.

He said that increase in poverty index was not particular with Nigeria but a global issue.

Mr Lawal Idrisou, the Chairman, House Committee on Population assured of the committee”s support to achieve demographic transition.

Dr Shubham Chaudhuri, the Country Director, World Bank emphasised the imperatives of good policies and programmes for children.

Chaudhuri said that education and healthcare for children were essential pillars required for Demographic Transition.

He called for more funding and investment in all sectors of the economy, saying that Nigeria has the lowest level of public spending in the world.

Alhaji Nasir Kwarra, the Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC) identified fertility decline as roadmap to Demographic Transition.

Kwarra said that having an age structure with low dependence ratio was also critical in fast tracking demographic transition.

Kwarra who solicited the support of relevant stakeholders for conduct of the census, said that sectors like education, health and good governance were imperative for demographic transition.

Ms Ulla Mueller, Country Representative, UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said that demographic transition could not be fast tracked without educating the girl child.

Mueller called for immediate end to child marriage which according to her was a deprivation of the girl child’s education and health rights.

Mrs Pauline Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs said that the whole conversation centred on the need to invest in the girl child to create achieve demographic transition.

Tallen said that called for basic education and health for all especially the girl child to fast track Demographic Transition.

Dr Haliru Yahaya, Emir of Shonga affirmed the commitment of the traditional institution to fertility reduction through child spacing.

Yahaya condemned the procreation of many children without provision of adequate care and education for them.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Demographic Transition is the roadmap to achieving demographic dividend.

Demographic dividend is the level of economic stability achieved by a country with a shift in its population structure from high dependence ratio to low dependence ratio among the working population. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Biodun Olujimi Joins Ekiti South APC Senatorial Race, Picks Nomination Form

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A fresh political contest is brewing in Ekiti South Senatorial District as former lawmaker Biodun Olujimi has officially picked up the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form, signaling a major shift in the district’s political landscape.

 

 

Olujimi, who represented Ekiti South in the 9th Senate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defected to the APC in 2025.

 

Her decision to now seek the party’s senatorial ticket sets the stage for a high-stakes intra-party battle ahead of the next general election.

 

The race within the APC is shaping up to be fiercely competitive, as Olujimi will contend with incumbent senator and Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, who is seeking to retain his seat.

 

Also in the contest is former member of the House of Representatives, Bamidele Faparusi, who has likewise obtained the party’s nomination form.

 

 

Political observers say Olujimi’s entry into the race could significantly alter the dynamics within the APC in Ekiti South, given her political experience, grassroots network, and previous electoral success in the district.

 

Her defection from the PDP to the ruling APC had earlier generated discussions across the state, and her latest move is expected to intensify permutations within the party.

 

 

The contest is likely to test the internal cohesion of the APC in Ekiti State, as party leaders weigh the strengths of the aspirants ahead of the primaries.

 

Analysts also note that the emergence of a strong candidate could play a crucial role in determining the party’s chances of retaining the senatorial seat in the next election cycle.

 

 

With three prominent political figures now in the race, the APC primary in Ekiti South is expected to be closely watched, as it may redefine alliances and influence the broader political direction of the district.

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FG Declares May 1 Public Holiday for Workers’ Day

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The Federal Government has declared Friday, May 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.

 

 

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government, congratulating Nigerian workers on the occasion.

 

 

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, on April 29, 2026, the minister praised workers across the country for their hard work and dedication to national development.

 

 

He noted that the contributions of Nigerian workers remain vital to the nation’s growth and prosperity, urging them to continue to uphold the values of patriotism, productivity, and commitment to duty.

 

 

The statement read, “The Federal Government has declared Friday, 1st May 2026, a public holiday to celebrate this year’s International Workers Day.

 

 

“The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on behalf of the Federal Government. He congratulated workers across the country on this year’s celebration. The Minister commended Nigerian workers for their hard work and dedication to national development. He noted that their efforts are essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity.”

 

 

Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare and security, as well as creating a conducive environment for economic growth.

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Court Warns Defendants in Ode-Irele Chieftaincy Dispute to Obey Judgment or Face Jail

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A High Court sitting in Okitipupa, Ondo State, has issued a stern warning to parties involved in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Ode-Irele, directing them to comply with its earlier judgment or risk imprisonment.

 

The court specifically ordered Adeniyi Olanrewaju Ayeromora and other defendants to adhere to its ruling delivered on August 2, 2022. The judgment had restrained them from parading themselves as regent or initiating any new selection process for the Olofun of Irele stool.

 

In a notice outlining the consequences of disobedience, the court cautioned that failure to comply could result in contempt proceedings and possible committal to prison.

 

The directive was also extended to key government officials, including the Attorney General of Ondo State and relevant local government authorities. The court warned them against recognizing or supporting any actions that contradict its ruling.

 

Meanwhile, the court has issued a separate Form 49 notice summoning several defendants to appear and show cause why they should not be jailed for allegedly continuing to violate the subsisting court order.

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