News
2023 Census: NPC Assures Of Counting Special Population, Locations
The National Population Commission (NPC), yesterday, assured of the commission’s preparedness to conduct an all-inclusive census by counting and mapping special population and locations.
The Executive Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Nasir Kwarra, gave the assurance while declaring open the Training of Trainers for identification and mapping of special population groups across Nigeria in Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
He said that experience had shown that the enumeration of special populations usually constituted a significant challenge in censuses.
“This is due to the unique nature of their settlement, occupation or other characteristics that make them special compared to regular or institutional populations.
“This is why it is critical that, as the commission prepares for the 2023 Population and Housing Census; all members of these groups must be identified on time, wherever they are.
“And their locations mapped and geo-referenced into the national frame, to ensure that adequate planning is made for their enumeration during the census,” he said.
Kwarra, who explained that it was also crucial that the exercise provided important socio-cultural and qualitative information, said it would facilitate planning for publicity, logistics and for the enumeration of the groups.
He said that the data expected from the project included the location of special populations within the localities in all local government areas.
Statistician-General, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Mr Semiu Adeniran, described the identification and mapping of special population as very critical to national planning.
Adeniran, who commended the National Population Commission for such assignment, said that mapping of special population was in accordance with the mandate of Household survey.
According to him, it is the data provided by the National Population Commission that would be relied on for household survey.
Adeniran advocated a stronger collaboration between National Population Commission and National Bureau of Statistics for a conduct of reliable and accurate census.
Executive Secretary, National Commission for Nomadic Education, Prof. Bashir Usman, lauded the commission for recognising nomads in the census.
Usman, represented by Director Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr Rose Nwaji, said over time, the nomads had been carried along in census.
He said nomads were categorised into pastoralists, fishermen and farmers and were driving the food security of the country.
He said that their inclusion in the census was a roadmap to achieving a reliable and accurate Population and Housing Census.
Country Representative, UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Ms Ulla Mueller, reassured of the UN’s support to enable Nigeria conduct a credible census.
Mueller, represented by Census Technical Adviser and official of UN Population Fund (UNFPA),Dr Collins Opiyo, commended the leadership of the National Population Commission for efforts in ensuring that no one was left behind in the conduct of the census.
She described the 2023 Population and Housing Census as a right of every Nigerian, irrespective of vulnerability or location.
The special populations include homeless households, homeless persons, nomadic households, transient persons and migrant fishermen.
Others include, migrant farmers, mobile hunters, Refugees/Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
News
We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
?
?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
?
?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
?
?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
?
?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
?
?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
?
?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
?
?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
?
