The Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, on Tuesday reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to an open, transparent, and productive relationship with the media, during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the NPC Press Corps led by their Chairman, Mr. Joshua Adams, to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Yusuf described the media as an essential partner in the success of the Commission’s mandate, stressing that any leader who fails to engage constructively with the press is “missing the point of leadership.”
“I want to let you know that I am always friendly with the press. Any leader who is not a friend of the press doesn’t know what he is doing,” Dr. Yusuf remarked. “However, I urge you to report only what is accurate. Neither exaggerate our achievements nor attribute to us what we have not done. Report exactly what we have accomplished.”
Dr. Yusuf emphasized the critical role of media engagement in shaping public awareness of the Commission’s programmes and initiatives. He expressed his determination to ensure that the NPC allocates resources to bolster media relations, noting that previous administrations may not have fully appreciated the importance of the press.
“There are certain sensitive areas we must always make provisions for, and the press is one of them. Even if funds are limited, we should still prioritize media support because if we don’t tell our story, no one else will,” he said.
The NPC Chairman announced plans to strengthen collaboration with journalists covering the Commission through regular media briefings, training sessions, improved welfare, designated office space for the Press Corps, and timely updates on NPC activities. He also disclosed that members of the Press Corps would be included in future courtesy and advocacy visits to ensure accurate and informed reportage.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NPC Press Corps, Mr. Joshua Adams, commended Dr. Yusuf for his openness and reassured him of the Corps’ commitment to fair and factual reporting.
“We have always stood by the Commission through thick and thin. Rain or shine, we have never acted against the Commission’s interest,” Adams said.
“Going forward, we hope to have regular engagements with the Commission so that we can provide the public with timely updates and avoid unnecessary speculation.”
Mr. Adams also made several requests on behalf of the Press Corps, including the provision of a dedicated office space for journalists in the Commission’s permanent headquarters once completed, capacity-building training on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), and inclusion of Press Corps members in the Chairman’s official entourage for more comprehensive coverage of NPC events.
He further appealed for the empowerment of the Commission’s Public Affairs Department, stressing that adequate publicity resources would enhance the efficiency of the Press Corps’ work.
The Director-General of the NPC, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun, echoed the Chairman’s views, underscoring the importance of sustained publicity and consistent media collaboration in advancing the Commission’s mission.
Also present at the meeting were the Director of Public Affairs Department, Mr. Nma Alhaji Shehu; Deputy Director and Head of Media and Publicity Division, Mr. Azeez Amoo; and senior technical aides to the Chairman.
