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NPC TO DEPLOY BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY TO ENSURE CREDIBLE CENSUS – KEMI IYANTAN
…As NPC Federal Commissioner engages traditional and community leaders in Ose and Irele local government areas
The Federal Commissioner and her team were received in Ose local government area by the council boss, Clement Ojo represented by the Secretary, Hon. Igbeke Gbenga, Community leaders as well as traditional authorities.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs Iyantan said the visit is aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Commission and the people of the local government area.
The Federal Commissioner stressed the need to emphasize the core functions of the National Population Commission, particularly the importance of proper documentation of births and deaths.
Mrs. Iyantan emphasized that the NPC is the only body authorized by the Federal Government to issue birth and death certificates, noting that accurate records are crucial for planning and development at both state and national levels.
The Federal Commissioner explained that sustainable growth depends on reliable demographic data, appealing to the community to support NPC officials in the forthcoming National Population Census.
She said accurate figures will ensure equitable resource allocation and effective planning for Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
While assuring of the availability of personnel of the commission, the federal commissioner states that all structures and processes are being put in place for effective coverage.
Speaking on behalf of the Ose Local Government Chairman, the Secretary, Igbeke Gbenga applauded the Commission’s initiative.
He described population as a denominator in governance, explaining that accurate data is indispensable in resource distribution and national development.
Dr. Saliu Omotosho, Special Adviser to the Council Chairman on Community Development, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner and her team for bringing the advocacy to the grassroots, pledging full support for the forthcoming census exercise.
Chief Amos Isaac from Ijagba also commended the Commissioner’s effort, noting the level of ignorance displayed during the last census exercise in the southern region.
He assured that Ose leaders are prepared to collaborate fully with the NPC to ensure better results.
Similar exercise was also carried out with a strategic engagement with traditional rulers in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State.
In attendance at the meeting were prominent monarchs including HRM Oba T.O. Adesoyo (JP), the Ahaba of Ajagba Kingdom; HRM Oba (Barr) Akinfolarin Elumaro; HRM Oba S.O. Oyegbemi; and HRM Oba Akinyomi John O.
The Irele Local Government Chairman was represented by the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Amin Olaniran.
Proceedings began with a traditional prayer offered by HRM Oba Akinyelure Olorunsola, the Odogbo of Ode-Omi Kingdom, who also used the occasion to congratulate the Federal Commissioner, Pastor (Mrs) Olukemi Iyantan.
He recalled landmark achievements recorded during her late husband’s service to the state as Deputy Governor and his cordial relationship with royal fathers across Ikale land.
In her remarks, Mrs Iyantan expressed gratitude for the warm reception, stressing the Commission’s pivotal role in the nation’s development.
She emphasized that the National Population Commission remains the only authorized body to issue birth and death certificates in Nigeria, with offices established across all 18 local government areas of the state to ensure accessibility.
She further explained that birth certificates are issued free of charge to Nigerians between the ages of 0–17 years, while individuals aged 18 and above who were not privileged to obtain theirs at birth can apply for a Birth Attestation Certificate which carries the same legal validity.
Highlighting the importance of accurate population data, the Commissioner urged the royal fathers to mobilize their subjects to fully participate in the upcoming census.
According to her, “Every Nigerian has the right to be counted, and the results of an accurate census will determine the level of benefits communities receive from the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Mrs Iyantan assured of NPC’s readiness to deploy biometric technology and other modern modalities to minimize errors and ensure credible results.
She concluded by appreciating the Obas and people of Irele local government area for their time and pledged continuous engagement with traditional rulers as key partners in the exercise.
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