By Adedotun Ajayi.

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured the National Population Commission (NPC) of his administration’s full support in carrying out its mandate, emphasising the crucial role of accurate population data in effective governance and sustainable development.

The governor made this commitment on Monday during a courtesy visit by the management staff of the National Population Commission, Ondo State chapter, led by the newly inaugurated Federal Commissioner for the state, Hon. Mrs. Olukemi Iyantan, at the Governor’s Office in Akure.

Welcoming the delegation, Aiyedatiwa stated that governance is fundamentally about serving the people, and for any government to plan effectively, reliable demographic data is indispensable.

He noted that the state government depends on the commission’s efforts to generate accurate population figures, which would guide policies, infrastructural development, healthcare, and other essential services.

“Governance is all about the people, and to serve them efficiently, we must have precise and up-to-date population data. This information is key to planning and resource allocation. Without it, we may not be able to adequately address critical issues.” the governor stated.

He further emphasised that his administration has no choice but to support the commission’s initiatives, as the government relies on its findings to make informed decisions that will benefit the people of Ondo State.

“The work of the National Population Commission is indispensable. As a government, we depend on this initiative, and we will support you within the resources available. We need comprehensive data on population distribution in terms of age, location, and other demographic factors to properly structure our policies and budget allocations,” Aiyedatiwa added.

The governor urged the commission to ensure that its data collection process is thorough and accurate, as it would serve as a foundation for making strategic developmental decisions in the state.

Earlier in her remarks, the Federal Commissioner for Ondo State, Hon. Mrs. Olukemi Victoria Iyantan, expressed appreciation to the governor for his support in securing her appointment, as well as his commitment to working closely with the commission.

Iyantan, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024 and confirmed by the Senate on September 26, succeeded Prince Garvey Iyantan as the Federal Commissioner for Ondo State. She stated that part of her visit was to formally congratulate Governor Aiyedatiwa on his victory in the last gubernatorial election and to discuss areas of collaboration between the commission and the state government.

She emphasized the importance of population data in governance, explaining that understanding the exact number of people in the state is essential for tackling various socio-economic issues.

“The National Population Commission is responsible for providing accurate data on the number of people residing in each state. With this information, the government can better plan for critical needs such as healthcare, education, security, and infrastructure. Knowing where people are concentrated will help in distributing resources effectively and ensuring that no community is left behind,” she said.

Iyantan further highlighted the synergy between President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Our Ease Agenda, stating that both policies aim at making life easier for the people and fostering sustainable development in Ondo State.

She also used the opportunity to commend the governor’s commitment to women’s welfare, particularly in light of the International Women’s Day celebrations. She noted that Aiyedatiwa’s administration has been proactive in supporting women across the state through various empowerment initiatives and policies that promote gender inclusion.

Furthermore, Iyantan stressed that the NPC would work closely with the state government to generate vital population data that would guide investments in key sectors. She explained that knowing where populations are concentrated and how they are distributed will help the government identify areas where investments can thrive and economic activities can be enhanced.

“The commission will ensure that Ondo State has comprehensive and reliable population data that will guide investment decisions. We will provide insights on where industries, housing, and social services should be focused to accelerate economic growth and development,” she assured.

In attendance were Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; the Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa; the Head of Service, Bayo Philip; and the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Simidele Odimayo.