NPC CHAIRMAN LEADS DELEGATION ON COURTESY VISIT TO OONI OF IFE

The Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, on Thursday, led a delegation of top NPC officials to pay an advocacy visit to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), at his Royal Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Yusuf expressed profound appreciation to the Ooni for granting audience to the Commission, describing Ile-Ife as the ancestral cradle of Yoruba civilization and a spiritual center of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“It is with profound honour and deep appreciation that I stand before this illustrious throne. From time immemorial, Ife has remained the cultural heart of the Yoruba people, a symbol of unity, scholarship, innovation, and spiritual grace for all Nigerians,” Dr. Yusuf said. “We consider this visit a homecoming to seek royal blessing, partnership, and guidance as we pursue the noble mandate entrusted to the National Population Commission.”

Dr. Yusuf noted that the visit formed part of the Commission’s ongoing advocacy efforts ahead of the next national Population and Housing Census. He emphasized the urgent need for updated demographic data to guide effective national planning and decision-making.

“The last census was conducted in 2006, nearly two decades ago. Nigeria’s population has since grown significantly, with shifts in settlement patterns, migration, and urban development. Yet, our nation still relies on outdated figures to plan infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare,” he said.

“This gap reinforces the need for a credible, inclusive, and modern census. The Commission remains fully prepared to deliver this once the Federal Government announces a new date.”

The NPC Chairman assured that despite the postponement of the census, the Commission had completed the core technical preparations required for a successful exercise. He added that the processes were being further refined to integrate lessons learned and new technologies in readiness for a fully digital census.

Dr. Yusuf also highlighted the Commission’s ongoing work on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), the continuous recording of births and deaths, describing it as essential for sustainable development planning.

He appealed for royal support to ensure households in Ile-Ife comply with birth and death registration.

“Birth registration safeguards identity, access to education, and future opportunities, while death registration ensures proper record keeping and inheritance rights,” he explained.

He further drew attention to the Nigeria Mini Demographic and Health Survey (NMDHS) currently being conducted nationwide. According to him, six randomly selected clusters within Ile-Ife are participating in the survey, and NPC personnel are already in the field. He sought the Ooni’s support to encourage community participation and cooperation.

“Traditional rulers are trusted custodians of legitimacy and community mobilization,” Dr. Yusuf added. “Your Majesty’s leadership inspires unity and civic responsibility. With your support, the forthcoming census and CRVS systems will gain greater acceptance and wider participation.”

In his response, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, commended Dr. Yusuf and his team for the visit and pledged his support for the successful implementation of the Commission’s mandate.

The monarch praised Dr. Yusuf for demonstrating a deep respect for Yoruba culture and tradition during the visit, describing his gesture as remarkable and exemplary.

“You have shown great understanding and respect for Yoruba customs, particularly through your greetings and honour for this throne,” the Ooni said. “Your humility and leadership spirit are commendable.”

His Imperial Majesty presented a royal gift to Dr. Yusuf and offered prayers and blessings for the success of the NPC’s programmes and for peace and progress across Nigeria.

Dr. Yusuf was accompanied on the visit by Federal Commissioners of the NPC, the Director-General, members of Management, and other senior technical aides to the Chairman.