National Population Commission Holds Town-Hall Meeting In Ojoku, Ahead Of 2023 Census

The National Population Commission (NPC) today Tuesday visited Ojoku community in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State on a sensitization campaign for the trial census in the state.

We could recall that the Federal Commissioner of NPC in the state, AbdulRasaq Gidado had earlier informed the populace that a pre-trial census would be carried out in Nine local government areas in the state, namely: Ilorin South, East, Asa, Oyun, Oke-Ero, Ekiti, Baruteen, Moro and Edu.

Addressing the traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders in Ojoku community, the Federal Commissioner, AbdulRasaq Gidado, represented by the state director, Adebayo Saheed, made it know that Ojoku is one of the areas picked for the trial census scheduled for 20th to 24th of July and the people of the community should give maximum support to the staff of the commission that will be visiting to ask questions.

“We are here for sensitisation on pre-trial census and let you know that our staff will be moving around the community for numbering houses and enumerating members of the households.

“We seek the adequate support and cooperation of the traditional leaders, critical stakeholders and all residents in the community.

Added that “the working relationship between the enumerators and the hosting community is very important and big factor towards the success of the exercise”

The Trial census, also known as the census dress rehearsal is one of the pre-census activities. It is a process in which all census operations are tested in a detailed and comprehensive manner in a year to the proper census.

The community also urged on the security of enumerators said “part of what we are here for is to seek for the indulgence of the community on the adequate security for our functionaries against any intimidation”

He, however, enjoined the traditional ruler, religious leaders and community leaders of each community the exercise would be taken place to allow the enumerators to move freely and give them access to buildings to carry out their assignments diligently.

Reacting, the Paramount ruler of Ojoku town, Oba AbdulRazaq Adegboyega, commended the efforts of the Federal Government, NPC and assured them of full support.

Stated that the community will provide adequate support for the enumerators, ranging from security, accommodation, feedings and transportation that will convey them to all their duty places.

“We know that census is one of the cardinal points that the government used for distribution of wealth and we will surely give support for the success of the program”

The stakeholder’s meeting was attended by traditional rulers, Religious leaders, Youth leaders, market women and local security.