NPC Chairman Reaffirms Commitment to Strong Media Relations
The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and productive relationship with the media, describing journalists as critical partners in leadership and governance.
Dr. Yusuf stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving members of the NPC Press Corps, led by its Chairman, Mr. Joshua Adams, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters.
He said any leader who fails to engage constructively with the media misunderstands the essence of leadership, stressing the need for accurate and responsible reportage.
“I am always friendly with the press. Any leader who is not a friend of the press doesn’t know what he is doing. However, I urge you to report only what is accurate—do not exaggerate our achievements or attribute to us what we have not done,” he said.
The NPC chairman noted that effective media engagement was vital in creating public awareness of the Commission’s programmes, adding that his administration would prioritise media relations even in the face of limited resources.
“There are sensitive areas we must always make provisions for, and the press is one of them. If we don’t tell our story, no one else will,” he added.
Dr. Yusuf disclosed plans to deepen collaboration with journalists through regular briefings, capacity-building programmes, improved welfare, provision of office space for the Press Corps, and timely dissemination of information on NPC activities. He also said journalists would be included in future advocacy and courtesy visits.
Responding, Mr. Adams commended the NPC chairman for his openness and assured him of the Press Corps’ commitment to fair and factual reporting.
“We have always stood by the Commission through thick and thin. Going forward, we hope for regular engagements to ensure timely information and avoid speculation,” he said.
Mr. Adams appealed for the provision of a dedicated office space for journalists at the Commission’s permanent headquarters, training on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), and inclusion of Press Corps members in official engagements.
The Director-General of the Commission, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun, also emphasised the importance of sustained publicity and consistent media collaboration in achieving NPC’s mandate.
Senior officials present at the meeting included the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Nma Alhaji Shehu; the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Publicity Division, Mr. Azeez Amoo and other aides to the chairman.