Ikpeazu charges relevant stakeholders in Abia to ensure successful population, housing census

Steve Unegbu, Umuahia

The Governor of Abia State ,Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has charged all relevant stakeholders in Abia State to cooperate fully with the Abia State  Population Census committee to ensure a successful exercise.

Governor Ikpeazu who gave the charge while declaring open the Abia State stakeholders summit 2023 population and Housing census, with theme, ‘Getting the people involved’ held at Abia hotel Umuahia, said Abia State government will provide every needed support to ensure its  success.

The Governor who was represented at the summit by his chief of staff,chief Okey Ahiwe harped on the need for accurate census, said it is important in government policy .

According to him,” Our census over the years has been very controversial and I am optimistic that stakeholders will help to minimize the controversy because every administration needs data from census for proper planning and we are to expand the  conversation on getting relevant stakeholders involved”

He commended the census committee for what they are doing,urged them to ensure everybody should be counted,added that Abia State government will partner with federal government to ensure its success.

Earlier in his speech,  the Federal commissioner National population commission,Abia State, Hon.chief Nwanne Johnny Nwabuisi expressed appreciation to the Governor of Abia State for constituting a body to ensure an accurate census in the state.

He decried what happened in 2006 census and those who were in charge then, said that it would not happen again .

According to him,” For the  first time National population commission wants to get it right and we are going to do digital census and we have two data bases,one in National,the other in Enugu.

He called on traditional rulers and local government chairmen to give the commission full cooperation.

” It is our duty to ensure that we get it right and get counted and for us to succeed,we need the cooperation of traditional rulers and LGA chairmen .

” I urge Ipob to allow us get the actual population of the people because that will help us get the numbers for referendum since they are looking for referendum.

He appealed to every one for cooperation said ,” We need the support and cooperation of everyone.

“What was done in ,2006 census was  completely bad ”

In his speech, Barrister  Randy ukawoke who represented the chairman of the Abia census committee His excellency Rt Hon. Eric Acho Nwakanma appealed to everyone to be involved, described the last census 16 years ago as a huge failure and that another opportunity has come to change the narratives