The National Population Commission (NPC) has emphasised the essence of reliable data to meaningful progress of any nation.
Delta State Director of NPC, Mrs. Jane Ngozi Odigwe stated this at a news briefing in Asaba, as part of activities to celebrate World Population Day, held with the theme: “Empowering Young People to Create the Family They Want ln a Fair and Hopeful World”.
While noting that accurate statistics is necessary for planning and policy implementation, she said “accurate statistics is needed. The world at large depends on accurate statistics,” Odigwe stated.
The Federal Commissioner representing Delta State in NPC, Mrs Blessyn Brume-Ataguba also warned against the falsification of its documents, stressing it is a criminal offense.
According to him, the commission is the sole authority responsible for the issuance of birth and death certificates and certificate of notification.
“In all these, other places they charge so much money. So, I am appealing to members of the press to take this message out to Deltans; only the NPC offices and the headquarters in Asaba, issue certificates.”
On the World Population Day, Brume-Ataguba stated that the occasion was a clarion call for governments and the private sector to recommit to creating a supportive environment for youths to thrive.
“Empowering young people particularly in making informed reproductive choices is not just desirable, but indispensable to national and state development,” he said.