NPC Holds Stakeholder Engagement On Trial Census In Okochiri

The National Population Commission (NPC), Okrika Local Government Area, has held stakeholder engagement with the relevant stakeholders in Ancient Okochiri Kingdom, as part of the commission’s strategic engagement and collaboration in ensuring a smooth and successful conduct of the forthcoming Trial Census and the 2023 Population and Housing Census.
Okrika was amongst the nine LGAs selected for the exercise in Rivers State, and Okochiri Kingdom was mapped out for the trial census in the area.
In her opening speech, the Comptroller, National Population Commission in Okrika, Mrs. Ayibia Asuefien Eli, appreciated the stakeholders for granting them audience.
She stated that they were in the area on the mandate of the commission in preparation for the upcoming trial census, which is to be carried out in order to evaluate all aspects of census operation.
Speaking during the stakeholders’ meeting, the state Director of the National Population Commission, Rivers State, Ms. Barika Glory Nwineh, applauded the magnanimity of the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Micheal Tom; for his visionary drive in bringing development and sustained peace to his kingdom and Okrika at large.
Barika appreciated the concerted effort of the Okochiri Traditional Council of Chiefs for their disposition and commitment in supporting NPC programmes in the area.
She stated that the trial census was a dress rehearsal to evaluate all aspects of the census operation before the main census on a limited scale, which would kick-start on July 11, 2022.
She urged the stakeholders to give support to the commission to carry out the trial census successfully.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Hon Akuro Tobin, who was represented by Hon.Temaso Benjamin Sekibo, applauded the National Population Commission for choosing Okrika in Rivers State for the trial census.
Tobin reiterated his commitment and readiness to give support to the commission for the success of the exercise.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of Okochiri Traditional Council of Chiefs, Chief Emmanuel, on behalf of the Chairman, Okochiri Traditional Council of Chiefs, Chief. Jackson Tom Adoki Ibiteinbo, and the Okochiri chiefs, appreciated the commission’s mandate to carry out the trial census in their kingdom.
“We will support you to the fullest and ensure that exercise comes out successful”, he added.
In a thank you message, Barika appreciated King Ateke Micheal Tom, the Okrika Local Government, Okochiri Traditional Council of Chiefs, CDC in Okochiri, the women and youths for providingnecessary support to the commission.
Others in attendance were:HoD, Public Affairs Department, Mr. Ipalibo George, staff of the Public Affairs Department, Mrs. Eno Attah, and a staff of the commission in the LGA, Miss. Marian Daka, chiefs of Ancient Okochiri Kingdom, CDC, women and youths.

By: Nelson Chukwudi