By: Joshua Adinoyi
A Non-governmental Organization, “De Noble Club 10 – Kogi Central, has held a stakeholders retreat on Census, Peace and others.
Analysis of 1991 and 2006 Population Census in Kogi State indicates that Local Government Areas in Kogi West increased in Population between 38.9 and 58.1 percent, Kogi East, 24.2 and 43.5 percent but Kogi Central increased in population between 2.4 to 45.6 percent.
Pained by the low population increase of Kogi Central Senatorial District especially Okene, during the 2006 Census exercise, DE NOBLE CLUB TEN, thought it wise to organize the stakeholders meeting to chart a way forward by ensuring the people participate fully in the coming exercise.
De Noble Club 10, is an NGO that is focused on the wellbeing of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District with the objective to mobilize and sensitize the people towards general development.
Representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kogi Central, Ebira People’s Association (EPA), Ebira Youth Congress (EYC), Non-Governmental Organizations, Traditional Rulers, among others, were among stakeholders at the event which took place at the AFIMS Hotel, Oro in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Setting up of Census Committee at the each Local Government in Kogi Central with a Census Joint Committee of three Members, were part of the recommendations made to avert the previous experience.
President of the Club, Abdulrazak Onivehu, explained that Census plays significant role in national planning, hence the need to ensure the people get things right in the coming exercise.
Onivehu charged them to take the exercise more serious, stressing that it will go a long way at attracting government‘s attention to the Area.
“This Stakeholders Meeting is very important because of the unfortunate experience we had in the 2006 Census. The people of Kogi Central were under counted and such outcome forms part of the challenges we face today
“It is on records that while some Local Government that are less in population were shown an increase of 55% and above, Kogi Central – Okene to be specific was said to have only 2.4% and such was gross under representation
“As a responsible and responsive Organization in Kogi Central, it is a priority to us that the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District are well counted in the 2023 Census
“The only way we can address this is to ensure that in the forthcoming Census our people come out, participate fully, get counted and we monitor and ensure we are properly counted so we can have the right figures” he said.
The first President of the Club, Engr. Shuaibu Salami, said early preparation for the coming Census was important, hence the need for the NGO to embark on the program.
Engr. Salami explained that the importance of Census cannot be overemphasized as it helps government in making proper plans for the citizens of the Country.
He enjoined the people to get prepared for the coming Census Exercise, calling on them to avail themselves of the opportunity to be counted.
A participant at the event, Ohi of Okengwe-Ehi, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, commended De Noble Club 10 for organizing the Stakeholders sensitization meeting, expressing optimism that it will go a long way at helping the people take part in the coming Census Exercise.
Alhaji Ahmed Anaje said census plays critical role at helping government strategize, calling on the people to take the coming exercise more serious.
In addition to several other programs of the De Noble Club Ten Kogi Central, the NGO also encourages the people to always participate in government programs that will promote their wellbeing.
Highlight of the meeting include Paper Presentation and musical display.
