By Folasade Akpan
The Population Association of Nigeria (PAN) has pledged to sustain its partnership with the National Population Commission (NPC) to advance population policies and national development in spite of the death of its Chairman.
PAN President, Prof. Enang Ebingha, made the pledge on Thursday during a condolence visit to the commission in Abuja following the death of its Chairman, Dr Aminu Yusuf.
Ebingha said the association would remain committed to supporting the commission in achieving its objectives and advancing population policies that would contribute significantly to sustainable national development across Nigeria and beyond.
He said PAN had held consultations with Yusuf and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions to challenges facing the commission and strengthen collaboration on population-related issues across the country in Nigeria.
The president described Yusuf as a strategist who demonstrated leadership and humility during their last meeting in Sokoto in February, adding that his commitment remained an inspiration to PAN and stakeholders.
“We’ll still remain one. We’ll never retrace our steps and our commitment, ensuring that the commission achieves its set objectives for the country,” he said.
Receiving the delegation, Dr Jeremiah Nwankwagu, Commissioner representing Ebonyi, described Yusuf’s death as a painful loss to the commission and the nation at large.
Nwankwagu said Yusuf was a friend, father, mentor and ally who had revitalised the commission through strategic committees, guidance and delegation of responsibilities throughout his tenure in office.
“He came, and we thought he came to conquer, but death could not allow him finish his seven-point agenda, which he started,” he said.
The commissioner said the NPC would continue building on Yusuf’s legacies and ensure that its mandate was accomplished, while urging stakeholders to support the commission fully and consistently going forward.
He also urged PAN to sustain its partnership with the commission, particularly on the draft policy on population issues, to strengthen coordinated national development efforts and outcomes nationwide for the country.
The Director-General of the commission, Dr Abuh Mohammed, described Yusuf as a friend and compatriot rather than merely his superior, recalling their close working relationship over time with PAN and stakeholders.
“We want to assure you that some of his legacies, including the plan he has for PAN and the association in general, will be sustained,” he said, assuring the delegation further.
Mohammed said the commission had reviewed Yusuf’s seven-point agenda and would implement some aspects immediately, while others would be implemented in phases, according to available resources in line with its mandate.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yusuf, who was sworn in as the NPC’s eighth substantive chairman on Dec. 3, 2025, died on Aug. 28, 2026.(NAN)
Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Abiemwense Moru