Owerri: The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr. Aminu Yusuf, has appealed to traditional rulers in Imo State to support efforts aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of birth and death registration, as well as the upcoming national census. Yusuf made this call during a visit to Eze Emmanuel Okeke, the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, in Owerri, emphasizing the critical role traditional institutions play in collecting accurate demographic data necessary for national planning and sustainable development.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the NPC Chairman stressed that traditional rulers are invaluable partners in promoting national objectives. He highlighted the influential role that traditional leaders play within their communities, stating, “When our royal fathers speak, communities listen.” Yusuf further explained that while the commission awaits the official census proclamation, it continues to focus on managing the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system, with a particular emphasis on birth and death registration.
Yusuf pointed out that registering births is crucial in securing legal identity and ensuring access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and social protection for every child. He warned that without proper registration, many children remain “invisible” within systems designed to serve and protect them. He urged traditional rulers to enhance community enlightenment and mobilization efforts, assuring them that the processes involved in census and civil registration are safe, confidential, and crucial for development.
In his remarks, Yusuf also praised Eze Okeke for his leadership and contributions to maintaining peace and cohesion in the region, pledging the Commission’s commitment to maintaining professionalism and fostering collaboration. In response, Eze Okeke expressed gratitude for the visit, describing it as a gesture of respect and inclusiveness. He assured the NPC Chairman of the unwavering support from traditional rulers in Imo State.
The meeting was attended by the Chairmen of the traditional rulers Council for Okigwe, Orlu, and Owerri zones, along with other members of the Imo State Council of Chiefs.