The Akwa Ibom State government said it was strictly monitoring the ongoing Enumeration Area Demarcation exercise conducted by the National Population Commission (NPC) across the state to ensure full participation of its indigenes and that proper thing is being done in the field.
The Hon. Special Adviser to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Political and Legislative Affairs, Pastor Sunny Ibuot, who disclosed this to Journalists on Wednesday said nine out of the 31 local councils in the state have been covered noting that the exercise has gotten to its 9th phase and would soon enter the 10th phase.
He enumerated the local governments areas covered to include:Oron, Onna, Nsit Ibom, Ibiono Ibom, Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, Obot Akara, Mkpat Enin and Ikot Abasi.
He said the exercise was part of measures and programme of the Federal Government to ensure accurate demographic data and a hitch-free National Population Census which will soon commence.
His words, “we monitor, supervise and ensure that Akwa Ibom people fully participate in this Enumeration Area Demarcation exercise that is conducted by National Population Commission (NPC) so as to take full advantage of it. The exercise is through in 9 Local Government Areas in the State. It is necessary to monitor this exercise to ensure that the work is properly done in the field.”
Pastor Ibuot, thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for providing the necessary logistics, support and assistance for the smooth conduct of the exercise.
Ibuot, who expressed satisfaction over the level of compliance during the exercise, stressed on the importance of Enumeration Area Demarcation exercise as a foundation and vital component of a successful census exercise and sued for compliance saying, “I urge Akwa Ibom people to cooperate with the officers of the National Population Commission so that no area in their domain should be left without demarcation”.
Also reacting, the visiting State Coordinator for the exercise, Mr. Iyawa Madagwa expressed appreciation to Akwa Ibom State Government for providing an enabling environment for a peaceful conduct of the exercise.
He also appreciated the high level of support given by the State Government.On his part, the State Director National Population Commission(NPC), Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mfon Umoden expressed satisfaction over the level of compliance, stating that the exercise which is presently at phase 9b in Mkpat Enin and Ikot Abasi Local Government will soon get into phase 10.
Umoden explained the need for Enumeration Area Demarcation(EAD) exercise as requisite for the conduct of a successful National Population Census(NPC) saying, EAD is the preparation for census, it is the splitting of land mass into small units for counting during census.
