OWODE-EGBA – The Executive Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Amb. Adesina Lanre Ogunsola, has pledged the council’s full partnership and resources to the National Population Commission (NPC) for its vital registration exercises and the upcoming national census.
The commitment was made on Wednesday when Amb. Ogunsola received a delegation from the NPC, led by the Federal Commissioner, Hon. Otunba Fasuwa Johnson Abayomi, in his office at Owode-Egba.
Chairman Ogunsola assured the Commission of his administration’s readiness to support public awareness and mobilisation for births and deaths registration, age attestation, and the forthcoming census. He highlighted the strategic importance of his local government, noting that it borders both Lagos and Oyo States and shares boundaries with seven other local governments within Ogun State.
He also urged the NPC to intensify its enlightenment campaigns in Southern states to correct the misconception that Northern Nigeria is more populated, emphasising the need for all Nigerians to understand the importance of birth registration.
In his remarks, the NPC Federal Commissioner, Hon. Otunba Fasuwa Johnson Abayomi, expressed his satisfaction with the reception, describing it as the most impressive from the local governments visited so far. He clarified that the NPC’s duties extend beyond the census to include issuing birth certificates for children aged 0-17 and providing birth attestation for adults.
Hon. Abayomi also revealed that the Commission is transitioning from paper-based certificates to a comprehensive electronic registration system (e-registration).
Dr Adenuga Yinka, the Ogun State Director of the NPC, explained that accurate population data is crucial for ensuring fair allocation of federal revenue and equitable policy implementation. He announced a proposal to establish mobilisation committees in every local government, comprising stakeholders from the NPC, National Orientation Agency (NOA), and Community Development Associations (CDAs).
Adding a note of caution, Dr Lekan Ogunjobi, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics for Obafemi Owode Local Government, appealed to the Commission to ensure adequate materials are supplied for the upcoming census. He referenced the 2016 exercise, where material shortages led to many residents being disenfranchised and inaccurate data capture.
The meeting concluded with a reinforced commitment from both parties to work closely together to ensure a successful and inclusive national population exercise.
