There is the need to update Nigeria’s population database to reflect the current realities that will enhance development plans for the country.
This formed the submission of various speakers in Abeokuta at a stakeholders summit on the 2023 Population and Housing Census with the theme, 2023 Census- Getting people involved.
The participants who converged on Obas Complex, Oke Mosan Abeokuta venue of the summit included traditional rulers, representatives of civil society groups, leaders of relevant agencies, policy makers and implementation authorities as well as various interest organizations and community development associations.
In separate remarks, Chairman of the State Council of Obas, the Akarigbo and paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi and the Speaker, Ogun state House of Assembly, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, represented by his Deputy, Mr Akeem Balogun emphasized the need for all Nigerians to work for the success of the exercise.
They expressed optimism that the exercise would help to strengthen national unity and progress while urging the National Population Commission, NPC, to carry everyone along in the process.
In a contribution, Former Director General Of NPC, Dr Kola Akinsanya said the 2023 census was imperative because the country had exceeded the 10 – year mandatory gap for routine census to take place, with the record of the last one conducted 16 years ago.
Addressing the people, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun represented by his Deputy, Engineer Noimot Salako who advocated the need for credible Census to aid proper indices for planning also appealed to the commission to explore all avenues of ensuring the success of the exercise.
The Governor who reiterated the continuous commitment of his administration equally solicited the support of all critical Stakeholders towards realizing the objectives of credible Census for the country in 2023.
Also, a Former Director, Planning and Research of the Commission, Dr Oloyede Olanipekun said the required human and technical efforts had been put in place for the exercise gave the assurance that the results of the census would be released within 3 month in view of the the prevailing digital innovations, unlike the analogue approach of the past.
Earlier, the Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Ogun State, Yeye Seyi Aderinokun had described the programme as a milestone in the journey towards the maiden digital census in Nigeria and solicited the total support of the People to ensure successful conduct of credible and acceptable census next year.
Oluwatoyin Adegoke
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