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Population Census Not Feasible In 2021, NPC Insists
The National Population Commission (NPC) has disclosed that the conduct of the population and housing census would no longer be feasible in 2021.
The National Chairman of the commission, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, disclosed this in Abuja, while addressing the newsmen on the commencement of the field work for the 1st Pre-Test for the population and housing census.
He said despite a piece of advice offered by the member of House of Representatives against conduct of the exercise on ground of fragile situation in the country, “We are not going to conduct census this year.”
Kwarra, however, said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was committed to the conduct of the exercise through adequate funding of the activities of the commission in preparation for the full exercise.
“By the time we are going to conduct the population and housing census, the situation in the country would have improved to pave the ways for a peaceful exercise,” he said.
The NPC boss added that, though no sign of commitment for the proclamation, but Mr. President will make proclamation at the appointed time.
Unlike before, the President is more committed to the funding of the operations and activities of the commission.
He said the preparatory activities for the census exercise pre-test is usually conducted before the actual census and during the middle of the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) exercise.
“The conduct of pre-test is aimed at testing the census methodology, the questionnaires, data collection methods, the manuals for field staff, instruction manuals, data editing and coding, data processing and tabulation in preparation for the actual census.
“In this pre-test exercise, some selected Enumeration Areas (EAs) in some of the LGAs in states of the federation demarcated between 2016 and 2018 will be utilised and the census instruments will be deployed to these areas to test run their suitability and readiness for the actual census.”
Kwarra noted that the objectives of the 2021 pre-test include among others, to assess the: Quality and usefulness of the EA maps already created, Demographic and geographic changes that have occurred in the EAs created in 2016-2018, and their implications for census enumeration, uploading of EA maps on census PDAs for census enumeration, Relationship between EAD estimated population and pre-test population
“Educational and other qualifications of potential census enumerators, workload of the enumerators, and logistical support from the states and LGAs.”
He said, “The 1st pre-test exercise will take place in 222 Enumeration Areas (EAs) in 112 LGAs across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT that were demarcated during the 2016-2018 Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) exercise.
“It will involve a total of 894 field functionaries comprising; 444 enumerators, 37 supervisors, 37 IT supervisors, 37 field coordinators, 37 state coordinators, 37 monitors from the Hq, 37 monitors from the state and six coordinators.”
The Training of the Trainers (TOT) has taken place from April 14 to April 18, 2021, in Abuja while the Zonal Training followed from May 31 to end today in six centres namely, Abuja, Enugu, Gombe, Katsina, Asaba and Ibadan which covers all the geo-political zones of the country.
“The full mobilization to the field and the actual pre-test has been slated for between June 6 and June 13, 2021.
“As already stated, the sampling methodology has been designed to test run and confirm the viability and effectiveness of the already Demarcated Enumeration Areas (EAs) in readiness for a smooth census exercise.”
According to him, “Let me emphasize that, the fieldwork and data collection for the 1st pre-test will commence from June 6 to 13th of June, 2021 in all the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
“The pre-test will be carried out by 37 teams (one team per state/FCT).
While appealing to the public for a successful exercise, he said, “I wish to end this address on a note of assurance that the conduct of the pre-test is part he preparation of the commission to create good foundation for the next Population and Housing census which will be credible, reliable and acceptable to the country and other stakeholders.
“In making this commitment, the commission is conscious of the important role of the pre-test in the process of authenticating and updating the Enumeration Areas (EADs) in preparation for the next census.
“We would like to caution that the Pre-test is not the actual census but the mirror through which we look at our readiness for the next census. All efforts must be geared towards making it a huge success by all. “
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol