By Ikechukwu Ozurumba
The National Population Commission (NPC) has reassured Nigerians of their Preparedness to Conduct a hitch-free 2023 National Population and housing head Count ( Census) .
Barr. Ike Justice , Director of National Population Commission ( NPC) in Imo state who represented Imo Federal Commissioner in NPC ,Professor Uba Nnabue at a two day National Workshop on ”National Compendium of Localities ” for Communities in Imo state explained Reasons as imperative , a tool for Census Data dissemination needed for National Planning and Development. The Director asserted that grassroots which Council Chairmen as well as Traditional rulers represents are targets for inputs on the workshop.The Constitutional mandate and resolve of NPC can only be achieved if these stakeholders are carried along , he maintained that the Compendium of Localities shows Places where Citizens and Houses are for the 2023 Census as envisaged by EAD . He said “The Localities are the focal point for the 2023 Census as well as where final results of the exercise would be released to, be it Camps , entities , Ranches, Markets or Towns etc.
The Programme which saw a large turn out was graced by Eze Imo, HRM Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke represented by Nze Nnamdi Ihezue ,many other royal Fathers such as HRH Eze Dan Emerole of Umuduru Egbele Umueze 11 Ehime Mbano, Eze Sabinus Nwaneche of Ahiazu Mbaise, Eze Azubuine of Obizi Mbaise, Eze Thomas Obiefule of Umudioka Orlu and Eze Iheanyi Uwahemu of Onicha Mbaise with many others saw Sole Administrators being represented .
The Imo NPC Director in an address from the National Chairman of NPC Hon . Nasir Issa Kwara urged Participants as well as Sister agencies to ensure devoted Collaboration and Pathnerships for a successful 2023 National Census that Will assist the Development of Nigeria. In his words ” NPC is Irrevocably Committed to Positively rewrite the history of Censuses in Nigeria.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) Imo state Director, Mrs Maureen Oparaji in her speech lauded the NPC for their resolve in ensuring the availability of Credible and reliable sustainable development Platform for Nigeria.
The Imo state NOA Director maintained that every reliable and responsive agency such as the National Orientation Agency (NOA) would always offer hands of fellowship to the National Population Commission for the success of a Programme that will help Nigeria develope like other nations. Mrs Oparaji wished success to Participants .
The event recorded Smart responses of the State NPC Director to some Critical Questions asked by Royal Fathers such as how Omitted or misspelt Camps, Cities or Towns would be reintegrated in the Compendium where he averred that it’s the whole essence of the workshop .
One Royal Father from Ohaji / Egbema demanded to know what the agency , NPC and government is doing for Communities that are engulfed with Natural disasters such as Flooding or Insecurity, the NPC helmsman disclosed that his Commission has already made adequate measures available to mitigate the issue.
