As Nigeria prepares for 2023 Census, Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN has advised that synergy among various stakeholders is one of the keys to a successful and acceptable census.
The Governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to partner with National Population Commission (NPC) in “creating enabling environment for the exercise to take place in Ondo State and ensure that everyone is counted in the right place, for the benefit of citizens of our dear state.”
Governor Akeredolu spoke through his Deputy, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the Stakeholders Summit on the 2023 Population and Housing Census, organized by National Population Commission, held in Akure.
The Governor pointed out that “with all the preparation steps put in place, the journey towards the 2023 census is obviously on course.
“Population data is critical to development planning and any government desirous of achieving development strides needs to know how many people require basic amenities such as light, water, schools, housing, health facilities and education.
“No Country relies solely on its estimated population because such estimates ignore the demographics unearthed by census data which are needed for national planning purposes.”
On inability to conduct population census in the last 16 years, the Governor declared, “it has become imperative for the country to conduct another national census to produce a new set of demographic and socioeconomic data that will provide the basis for national planning and sustainable development.”
The Governor solicited the support of critical stakeholders especially civil society organizations that would be playing major roles such as advocacy, enlightenment of the society on the need for accurate and acceptable census.
Earlier in his opening address, the Federal Commissioner Representing Ondo State at National Population Commission, Prince Oladiran Iyantan said Nigeria must get it right in 2023 as far as census is concerned.
“In 2023 Census, everyone will be counted in the right way, at the right place and time, and for the benefits of all persons resident in Nigeria
“The commission is committed to ensuring that the results of the census are acceptable to Nigerians and the quality of the data to be generated meet international best standards for planning and development purposes.
“In line with the United Nations principles and recommendations for the 2020 rounds of Population and Housing Census, the 2023 Census will be fully digital and the commission has deployed technology to conduct the exercise and enhance data quality.”
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
