President Bola Tinubu has formally inaugurated Aminu Yusuf as the new chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC).
The brief swearing-in ceremony took place on Wednesday during the opening session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, with several cabinet members present.
The Senate had earlier confirmed Yusuf’s appointment on October 21, following his nomination by the President on October 9.
During the ceremony, five permanent secretaries — Abdulkarim Ibrahim, John Ezeamama, Abdul-Sule Garba, Isiaku Mohammed and Ukaire Chigbowu — also took their oaths of office at about 1:42 pm and signed the official register.
Yusuf was sworn in alongside two newly appointed NPC commissioners, including Tonga Betara from Yobe State.
The NPC is responsible for population census, vital statistics, and demographic data used for national planning and development.
The FEC later observed a minute of silence in honour of former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joy Ogwu, who passed away on October 13 at age 79.
Yusuf succeeds Nasir Isa Kwara, who had served as NPC chairman since 2020.
KWASU Relocates Staff, Students Over Security Concerns
The management of Kwara State University (KWASU) has ordered the temporary relocation of staff and students from its Ilesha-Baruba campus to the main campus in Malete due to escalating security threats in the region.
In a statement, the university’s Director of University Relations, Saeedat Aliyu, said the decision became necessary after a recent assessment of the area.
Vice-Chancellor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh had visited the campus on November 30 to review welfare conditions and safety risks.
Students were instructed to travel only with essential items while the university works on providing safer accommodation alternatives.
The Ilesha-Baruba campus, located within Baruten Local Government Area, is one of KWASU’s designated satellite campuses.
The relocation will remain in effect until the security situation improves and academic activities can safely resume.
Kwara State has recently been affected by increasing incidents of banditry, abductions, and violent crime.
In November, the state government directed the closure of schools in five LGAs — Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin, and Oke Ero — following an armed attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku on November 18.
Security operations have since been heightened, including a presidential directive on November 25 for a full security cordon around forests in the state.
The Nigerian Air Force has been carrying out round-the-clock aerial surveillance in coordination with ground forces to combat criminal groups.
Excluding PWDs Is Economic Sabotage — Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu
Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, says shutting persons with disabilities (PWDs) out of employment opportunities is not only discriminatory but also an act of economic sabotage.
Kalu spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a policy forum on workplace inclusion for PWDs, organised by the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation in partnership with international and local organisations such as the Australian High Commission, Irede Foundation, Inclusive Friends, Ceder Seed Foundation and Christian Aid.
He criticised poor implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, noting that the law has not translated into real progress.
“Seven years after the Act was signed, our workplaces still do not reflect the promises contained in the law,” he said.
According to him, “The economic exclusion of PWDs is not just a rights violation — it is economic sabotage. We cannot rebuild Nigeria’s economy while shutting out millions of capable and talented citizens.”
Kalu reaffirmed that the mandatory five per cent employment quota for PWDs in public institutions must be strictly enforced, noting that the House has moved from advocacy to active oversight.
He tasked the House Committee on Disability Matters, chaired by Bashiru Dawodu, with ensuring that MDAs comply fully with the law.
Also speaking at the event, Amara Nwakpa, Director-General of the Yar’Adua Foundation, said the goal is to promote meaningful inclusion across all sectors.
He stressed that organisations — not PWDs — must learn how to build inclusive systems and cultures.
Nwakpa added that Nigeria does not need new legislation but must urgently implement the provisions of the existing law, both in letter and in spirit, including within private and non-governmental institutions.
