NPC CHAIRMAN HAILS BISI AKANDE AS A BEACON OF INTEGRITY, CALLS FOR DATA-DRIVEN GOVERNANCE AT 87TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

NPC CHAIRMAN HAILS BISI AKANDE AS A BEACON OF INTEGRITY, CALLS FOR DATA-DRIVEN GOVERNANCE AT 87TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, has described Chief AbdulKareem Adebisi Akande, CFR, as “a statesman, patriot, and leader of leaders whose integrity and disciplined leadership continue to inspire generations.”

Dr. Yusuf gave the tribute while delivering his chairman’s remarks at the 87th birthday celebration of Chief Akande held today, 16th January 2026 at the University Pavilion, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, Osun State.

The well-attended event drew dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Dr. George Akume, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Kayode Alabi, who represented the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; former Adamawa State Governor, Boni Haruna; and Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, among others.

The NPC Chairman, who attended the occasion with the Commission’s Federal Commissioners, Director-General, and senior technical aides, paid glowing tributes to Chief Akande’s illustrious public service career from his early days in local government administration to his role as Governor of Osun State and pioneer Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Chief Akande’s journey reminds us that one individual, guided by principle and conviction, can leave a lasting imprint on institutions, communities, and the destiny of a people,”

Dr. Yusuf declared.

Highlighting the lifelong virtues of honesty, duty, and resilience that define Chief Akande’s legacy, the NPC boss noted that his life offers a timeless blueprint for public integrity and responsible governance.

Turning to national matters, Dr. Yusuf underscored the importance of accurate demographic data for Nigeria’s planning and development, lamenting the nation’s reliance on outdated population estimates since the last census in 2006.

“Despite its critical importance, Nigeria has not conducted a Population and Housing Census since 2006. The National Population Commission has been working diligently to bridge this gap through digital registration and surveys, but these cannot replace a comprehensive census,”

he said.

The NPC Chairman reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure credible and data-driven governance, noting that a modern, digital census remains vital for effective resource allocation and sustainable national development.

“Mr. President understands that without accurate population figures, no tier of government, federal, state, or local can plan responsibly or allocate resources effectively,”

Dr. Yusuf emphasized.

The event’s highlight included a birthday lecture delivered by Prof. Gbadebo Odewumi, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, on the theme: “Increasing Population, Insecurity and Inflation Crises Manifestations in Nigeria: Strategy for Managing Stakeholders’ Concerns in Emerging Cities.”

Dr. Yusuf described the lecture’s theme as timely and reflective of Chief Akande’s vision for good governance, public accountability, and community empowerment.

The NPC Chairman also presented special birthday gifts to Chief Akande and also decorated him as a Grand Ambassador for the forthcoming Census.

Concluding his remarks, the Dr. Yusuf extolled Baba Akande’s resilience and moral courage through decades of public service, urging Nigerians to embrace data-driven planning and evidence-based decision-making as the foundation for the nation’s sustainable future.

“His life teaches us that setbacks are not signals to retreat, but invitations to rethink, replan, and rebuild. May Nigeria be strengthened by the values he represents,”

Dr. Yusuf prayed.

The event concluded with an outpouring of goodwill messages for the elder statesman, whose enduring influence continues to shape Nigeria’s democratic and developmental journey.