Newsfront Online …Telling the Public as it is
…Thanks President Tinubu for commitment, support for making funds available
…showcases ultra-modern equipment for upcoming national housing and population census
…As Fed. Commissioner launches NDHS for AKS
By Saviour Ekpe
The Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra has said that the proposed National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) in Nigeria has reached its final stage of preparation, evident in the reconstruction, remodeling and building of more structures to accommodate the modern equipment purchased for the conduct of the census.
The NPC boss made this explanation in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital during the commissioning of the remodeled and reconstructed Akwa Ibom office of the commission. Represented by the Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Akwa Ibom State, Engr. Benedict Ukpong, FNSE (Okete Okete Oro) maintained that all NPC offices in the 36 States of the federation and Abuja have been properly and sufficiently equipped for the conduct of the census and added that Akwa Ibom is one of the integral parts of the nation.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his passion in releasing funds for that purpose when it is required. He reiterated the commission’s resolve to justify the effort of the Federal Government. Hon. Kwarra eulogized the Federal Commissioner representing the state, Engr. Ukpong for what he described as, ‘unrelenting effort, steadfastness and effective supervision’ to translate the vision of the commission to reality in the state.
“I wish to start by appreciating the Federal Government under His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria for the unrelenting support to the Commission. This commissioning would not have happened without the financial and moral support from the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“As you are aware, the Commission is still carrying out the preparation for the next census. It is in this regard, that we will leave no stone unturned to make sure that all corresponding facilities including habitable and good working environment is delivered to ensure the constitutional mandate of the Commission is fulfilled which is the effective delivery of the next Population and Housing Census, which will be credible, reliable and acceptable.
“The remodeled and reconstructed office building we are officially commissioning today will serve as the administrative hub for the effective functioning of the Akwa Ibom State NPC office where vital meetings and critical decisions that concern the growth and progress of the Commission will be made. I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the Honourable Federal Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State, Chief (Engr), Benedict Ukpong, FNSE (Okete Okete Oro) for his unrelenting efforts, steadfastness and effective supervision which has led to the completion of this new beautiful edifice.”
In his address, the Hon. Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Akwa Ibom State, Chief (Engr.) Benedict Ukpong who was represented by the State Director, Mr. Emmanuel Edem while launching the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) for 2023-2024 noted, “The National Population Commission, in collaboration with key partners, has diligently implemented the NDHS, consistently raising the bar for demographic and health data collection in Nigeria. Today, as we launch this survey at the state level, we reiterate our commitment to upholding the same high standards of excellence and precision that have defined the NDHS over the years. The objectives of the 2023-24 NDHS are clear and profound: 1. To gather high-quality data on a wide range of vital indicators, including fertility rates, maternal and child health, contraceptive use, childhood mortality, gender-related issues, nutrition, HIV/AIDS awareness, and more 2. To provide data in supporting evaluation needs of maternal and child health and family planning programs, enabling evidence-based planning and resource allocation 3. To produce timely results and ensure wide data dissemination, informing program managers and policymakers 4. To strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for data collection, analysis, and utilization, enhancing national ownership of the process 5. To strengthen national capacities by using collected data to identify demographic and health-related basic social needs, develop equitable growth strategies, address social poverty, and align with national development strategies”.
He further explained the essence of the launch, “these objectives, while comprehensive, are not mere words on paper. They represent the path to a healthier, more prosperous Nigeria a Nigeria that can address the unique needs of its citizens, promote gender equality, improve health outcomes, and reduce the burden of disease. The 2023-24 NDHS is not just a survey; it is an instrument of transformation, a compass guiding us toward a future where health disparities are reduced, where gender equity is promoted, and where every Nigerian can thrive. I have every confidence that with your continued support and dedication, we will navigate the complexities of data collection and analysis, and emerge with insights that will shape policies, drive progress, and improve lives.
Earlier in his welcome speech, the Akwa Ibom State Director in the commission, Mr. Emmanuel Edem, represented by the Head of Technical and Cartography, Mrs. Mercy Darnley expressed his gratitude for the large turnout of guests and explained the essence of the two events, “I am delighted to welcome all our Distinguished Guests, Stakeholders and the staff of the National Population Commission, Akwa Ibom State to the State Launch of the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and the commissioning of the remodeled and reconstructed office building of the Commission in Akwa Ibom State.
“The constitutional mandate of the Commission includes among others the undertaking of enumeration of the population of Nigeria periodically through censuses and surveys, establishing and maintaining machinery for continuous and universal registration of births and deaths and advising Government on population matters for planning purposes.
“In line with the above mandate, the Commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and other key partners is carrying out the 2023 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) in all the States of the Federation. Today’s event is also to flag off the NDHS main fieldwork activities in the State. The survey which is one of the major statistical data gathering activities of the Commission is geared towards providing information on population, family planning, maternal and child health, and nutrition for planning and sustainable development in the country”.
Giving a graphic description of the building, the State Director said, “The State Office building plays an important role in the implementation of the population activities in the State as it is the location where the population matters are initiated, coordinated and executed For effective and efficient service delivery, the state of the building which provides office space for staff and clients plays a pivotal role. In 1992, after the conduct of the 1991 Census, the National Population Commission under the leadership of the then Federal Commissioner, Professor R. K. Udoh acquired this premises as the operational base for Akwa Ibom State, consisting of a one-storey main block; a bungalow; a back house and a security post. These units had been in good condition until 2000 when the office began to suffer disrepairs and poor maintenance. Several attempts to renovate the building yielded no results.
“Some sections of the bungalow housing the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Department (CRVSD) had been completely dilapidated and close to a total collapse. However, let me acknowledge the efforts of our former Federal Commissioners. Professor Ufot Asibong-Ibe (Late) and His Excellency, Mr. Moses Frank Ekpo (MFR) who spearheaded some skeletal renovations in the main building which accommodated the staff such that the activities of the Commission in the State did not come to a total halt. I also commend the former State Directors for their efforts in this direction”.
