The National Population Commission (NPC) on Wednesday flagged off Phase 16 Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) sensitisation of stakeholders in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
The Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Mr Benedict Ukpong said in his remarks that EAD was a key preparatory activity for any census as it involves the division of the entire country into small geographical units.
Ukpong said the exercise was part of measures by the Federal Government to ensure accurate demographic data and a hitch-free national population census which would be conducted soon.
He said the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) exercise which was ongoing at its 16th phase has already been conducted in 27 local government areas of the state.
“It is the foundation upon which the entire census architecture rests and forms the basis for the planning and execution of the census project.
“In addition to being the foundation for census, the national sample frame for survey in the country is created from the enumeration area demarcation,” Ukpong said.
The commissioner said it was the desire of the commission to deliver to the nation an accurate, reliable, acceptable and verifiable census, adding that the EAD would provide the framework.
Earlier the State Director, Mr Emmanuel Edem, said that the Enumeration Area Demarcation exercise was very important as it would actualise and make success of the next census.
According to Edem, the commission had deployed latest technology for the enumeration area demarcation exercise.
He said the exercise was conducted in local government area to capture new developments since the last exercise in 2015.
“The EAD is the vehicle that drives the entire census process. This why the Commission in the State is determined to get it right in our quest to deliver to our state and inclusive and a scientifically provable headcount.
“The Commission is determined to access all parts of the local government area for this important exercise. Consequently, I appeal to Council Authority to provide boats and other facilities for us to go to reverine settlements,” Edem said.
He said that the Enumeration Area Demarcation(EAD) exercise was requisite for the conduct of a successful National Population Census.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Oron local government area, Mr Effiong Ubokulo, promised the Councils’ support to the commission to ensure the success of the exercise.