The paramount ruler and Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, has called on the National Population Commission (NPC) to conduct a credible, internationally acceptable population and housing census. He made the appeal while receiving NPC local‑government coordinators in Ondo State, who briefed him on their preparedness for the nationwide exercise scheduled for May.
As Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Aladelusi expressed doubt about the credibility of the previous census, emphasizing the need for accurate data to inform national planning. “We now have a very good opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and ensure that all the data collected will be realistic, reliable and fit for national planning and development,” he said. “We can no longer revert to the dark days of falsifying figures and depriving ourselves of a true reflection of reality.”
The traditional ruler urged the local‑government coordinators to ensure that everyone is counted, avoiding the assumptions that marred earlier efforts. “You must ensure that your enumerators reach the nooks and crannies of the state. In Akure, for instance, there is a rapid population explosion; you must be prepared to go into these newly opened areas,” he added.
Oba Aladelusi, a member of the Ondo State Census Sensitisation and Publicity Committee, pledged to mobilise all traditional rulers in the state to support the commission and guarantee a smooth exercise. He appealed to residents of Ondo State, especially those in Akure, to remain at their place of residence during the census, noting that travel was unnecessary.
In response, the Akure South Coordinator of the Commission, Onoda Jubril, thanked the Deji for his support and for establishing a committee to collaborate with the commission. Jubril assured Oba Aladelusi that the commission is fully prepared to carry out the exercise diligently and explained that the upcoming census will be digital‑based, reducing the sharp practices identified in previous censuses.
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