The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, flagged off the National Population Commission’s RoadWalk/Advocacy Campaign in Calabar on Thursday, promising state government collaboration with the commission to enhance data collection, analysis, and inclusiveness for all residents.
Odey emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to generating inclusive data, noting that it will enable the government to make informed decisions, ensuring an equitable future for all Cross Riverians.
While addressing stakeholders at the campaign launch in commemoration of World Population Day 2024 at Millennium Park, Calabar, Deputy Governor Odey praised Rt. Hon. Alex Ukam, the Federal Commissioner of the NPC representing Cross River State, for his commitment to improving inclusive data collection for all residents.
Odey highlighted that this year’s theme focuses on the power of data collection and the importance of inclusivity. He stressed that data collection is a crucial component of the nation’s development drive and called on the NPC to capture the true story of residents’ experiences and provide insights about the present and future through scientific projections and analysis.
In his remarks, the Federal Commissioner at the National Population Commission (NPC), Rt. Hon. Alex Ukam, emphasized that the lack of inclusive data has long been a significant challenge to governance in Nigeria. He assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to ensuring that every Nigerian is counted.
Ukam noted that July 11th is observed annually by the United Nations to highlight issues of population explosion and its impact on growth and development. He described this year’s campaign theme, “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All,” as timely and urged the Cross River State Government to continue supporting the NPC’s efforts. These efforts include ensuring comprehensive Civil Registration of Vital Statistics (CRVS) and conducting regular censuses and surveys to generate timely, credible, and inclusive data.
He revealed that the NPC, in collaboration with the State Government and other stakeholders, has developed robust and inclusive strategies to ensure everyone is counted in the upcoming population outreach program, which will cover all areas of the state.
Mr. Andrew Kima, the programme officer of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), highlighted the enhanced data-driven approach in population issues, noting significant achievements despite the lack of uniformity. He pointed out the challenges of reaching remote and hard-to-reach communities for vital registration and other essential population services, and appealed to the state government to expand its support for the NPC, UNFPA, and other relevant agencies.
The event saw a large turnout of key stakeholders, political appointees, and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, who delivered messages advocating for the inclusiveness of all in the exercise.
© Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar
