UGHELLI/Nigeria: The Commissioner Representing Delta State in the Board of National Population Commission (NPC), Chief Richard Odibo has underscored the importance of census on the development of Nigeria.
This was contained in his address during the opening ceremony of Delta State trial census and level training workshop held for field functionaries of the commission at Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area recently.
He stated among other things that a census was necessary for credible elections and development plans of the country.
Odibo also stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security organizations, network providers and others depend on NPC for provision of data for effective operations.
“It is a continuous process. What we are doing now is the framework of the 2023 census” he said.
Odibo further noted that the World best practice on census was every ten years.
He also solicited the support and cooperation of stakeholders for the functionaries in terms of security, useful guidance among others.
Odibo however warned that the field functionaries should not be giving money and that the functionaries should not keep late nights.
He further warned that the field functionaries shun religious practices like evangelism in their areas of postings.
The new director of NPC in Delta State, Mr Patrick Okonkwo Lotobi who spoke at the event, was full of praises for Chief Odibo.
“He (Chief Odibo) is a gift to Delta State and a promise keeper,” he added.
The event featured a question and answer session
HRM Dr Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi 111 , the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom , the Obi of Obulunor Kingdom HRM Kika Chukwu , representatives of the chairman of Ughelli North, Ethiope East , Warri South, presidents general of stakeholders communities, the field functionaries, government security agents among others were present at the occasion.
High point of the event was the formal opening of the trier census and training by Chief Odibo.
