Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has called on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to help the State address the issue of paucity of data for development planning and security in the state.
Governor Ikpeazu who made the request during a courtesy visit by the Commission led by the State Coordinator, Mr Loveday Chika Ogbonna, at the Government House, Umuahia, stressed the importance of accurate data collection for the proper identification of citizens and allocation of resources, called on the commission to ensure that all eligible citizens of the state are registered and issued with national identity cards.
The Governor also expressed the willingness of his administration to support the Commission in their work of registering citizens as it will help to get accurate data, demographic information and relevant statistics of the State that will ensure total elimination of ghost workers, boost the IGR drive of the State and also help in the prevention and control of crimes.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, noted that lack of accurate demographic data has been the bane of development as budget and planning are often hinged on wrong data which in turn affects the distribution of amenities, elections, economy and development negatively.
The State Chief Executive while assuring the Commission of Government support, used the forum to disclose that a committee will soon be set up in the 17 LGAs of the State comprising TC Chairmen and opinion leaders to assist the agency ensure total registration of citizens.
Earlier in his speech, the State Coordinator of NIMC, Mr Loveday Chika Ogbonna, said that they are determined to ensure full registration of residents of the state and urged the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration to support the commission achieve success.
The Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Head of Service, Sir Onyi Wamah, Permanent Secretaries and Aides of the Governor were also in attendance.
