The National Population Commission (NPC), Kwara office, have disclosed that the 16 local government areas in the state are ready for the forthcoming census.
The state Director, NPC, Malam Saheed Adebayo, explained the readiness for the exercise while speaking with the Newmen in Ilorin on Monday.
Adebayo said that the commission had done the first and second pre-test exercises in Kwara in preparation for the next population and housing census.
He added that the commission just concluded the trial census for the 2023 Population and Housing.
“The first and second pre-test exercise is to test run all census instruments, including the quality and usefulness of the maps already produced.
“Also, adequacy of data capture method adopted, logistics arrangements and educational qualification of field functionaries to make sure that everything is ready for the forthcoming census.
“While the trial census is a dress rehearsal to evaluate all aspects of the census operation before the main census on a limited scale,” he explained.
The NPC director recalled that the first pre-test was conducted in May 2021, the second pre-test took place in December 2021 and the trial census began in June and ended in July.
However, he said that the commission had challenges during the whole exercise, but were rightly addressed with the support of stakeholders of the communities involved.
Adebayo said that all the census takers and supervisors employed for the exercise had been relieved of their positions, adding that there will be a new selection before the census.
He lauded the stakeholders and traditional rulers that made the exercise easier and successful, hoping for more cooperation from them during the exercise.