Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has restated his administration’s support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Governor said such collaboration between the federal government and sub-nationals is necessary for sustainable national development.
The State Chief Executive stated this on Thursday, when he declared open a two-day Retreat for the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population and the National Population Commission (NPC), at Ibom Icon Hotel, Uyo.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Pastor Eno described the National Population Commission as an indispensable national institution and assured of his administration’s partnership to enable the NPC deliver on its mandate.
“Let me restate our support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal government under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. I believe collaboration between the federal government and sub nationals is necessary for sustainable national development.
“As you embark on this crucial national assignment, rest assured of the support, cooperation and partnership of the Akwa Ibom State Government. The outcome of your assignment will greatly affect the implementation of our ARISE Agenda because we need data to plan.
“Data generated through census will help us know where to site new schools, healthcare facilities, markets and even design policies for our special population such as Special Needs Children, widows, the aged and People Living With Disabilities. This administration is committed to the socio-economic well-being of all Akwa Ibomites. Beyond that, we are desirous of siting projects where they are needed and will be utilized maximally”, the Governor said.
The Governor commended the NPC for choosing Akwa Ibom for the Retreat and wished them a fruitful outing.
“For this Retreat, I urge you to create time in-between the brainstorming and mentally exerting sessions to relax, savour our rich cuisines and go round the State to relish its beauty and serene ambience. As a government, we will do our best to make your stay hitch free, successful and memorable.”
On his part, the Chairman of NPC, Hon. Nasir Kwarra, said the programme will enable Members of the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population and management of the National Population Commission to understand the workings of the Commission and the imperative of the next Census to national development.
He assured of the Commission’s resolve to deliver an accurate and reliable Census that will drive economic development.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population, Senator Abdul Ningi, pledged his Committee’s readiness to address any legislative need relevant to the Commission to enable it discharge its duties effectively.
He opined that the Retreat will help stimulate ideas that will guarantee a hitch-free Census and also expand the Committee’s searchlight into the overall framework and operations of the NPC.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Federal Commissioner, NPC, Akwa Ibom State, Engr. Benedict Ukpong, thanked Pastor Umo Eno for providing an enabling environment for hosting of the Retreat and disclosed that the two-day programme will take an indepth review of Nigeria’s journey towards a successful conduct of the first ever digital and green Population and Housing Census.
The event was attended by members of the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population, Directors and Management as well as staff of the National Population Commission, Special Adviser, Bureau of Political and Legislative Affairs, Elder Amanam Nkanga, amongst others.
The Senators and the team from the National Population Commission were later hosted to a dinner by the Deputy Governor at Government House, Uyo.
