By Ambrose Ologide
WARRI/Nigeria: The Orosuen (traditional ruler) of Okere Urhobo Kingdom, Warri South Local Government Area, HRM Sir Emmanuel Ono Okumagba, Okumagba 11 has underscored the importance of census.
The erudite traditional ruler who spoke during the sensitisation visit of some officials of National Population Commission (NPC) to his palace in Warri on Wednesday 6th April, 2022, noted that census was very important in any society that was planning for development.
Okumagba 11 also noted that with the methodology applied in preparation for the forthcoming national census so far, it will be difficult to inflate population figures.
He stressed that the census or headcount was not meant only for indigenes or natives of an area but for the totality of residents of the area.
While commending NPC for a job well done so far, the traditional ruler pledged the continued support of Okere Urhobo Kingdom in the exercise.
The NPC Comptroller in Warri South Local Government Area, Clement O Onaro had in his speech disclosed that the commission was on the second phase of preparation of the forthcoming national headcount which he code named enumeration update.
He also disclosed that the third phase of the exercise was the mock or trier census
Onaro disclosed that only Warri South, Udu, Isoko North and Ukwale local government areas were selected for the second phase of the exercise in Delta State.
He assured that the forthcoming national headcount will be a departure from others in terms of credibility.
“It is going to be the 1st digital census in Africa,” he added.
Onaro stated that the National Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerian Army, Police and other ministries and agencies will rely on the data provided by the census for their operations.
He had on behalf of the Honorable Commissioner representing Delta State in the Board of NPC, Chief Richard Odibo expressed appreciation to the traditional ruler and indeed Okere Urhobo people for their support and hospitality during the 1st phase of preparation for the national census.
Onaro also congratulated Okumagba 11 on his ascension to the throne.
He however solicited for the continued support and hospitality of Okumagba 11 and the Okere Urhobo people in the enumeration update of the exercise.
The Warri South Local Government Area NPC Comptroller was accompanied by a Notifier in the commission, Vincent Ekperusi on the sensitization visit
The event featured a question and answer session.
