The financier of fast growing women football club, Naija Ratels FC, Barrister Paul Edeh, has called on the federal government to facilitate the availability of accurate database through a viable Census.
He made the call during a novelty match between the Nigeria Women Football League side, Naija Ratels and FCT selected side comprising coaches and sports journalists played at the Area 3 field, in Abuja.
Barrister Edeh also stated that the country is bedeviled with people who pay lip service to weightier matters but make things of little or no consequences a priority.
“Too often we pay lip attention to what really matters. You will agree with that the demographic Nigeria has not really been captured to the extent that it will give government the leverage to be able to plan how to manage the populace. Indeed we also know that there are some thematic areas in the gender violence, poverty, and so many others we need to draw attention. So, the world population day held every 11th day of July gives us that opportunity to highlight the need for us to be able to have a viable Census.
“You will agree with me that the last time we had a census that was held in Nigeria was held in 2006. 2006 till date you can imagine the world population has grown particularly in Nigeria. We don’t even have an accurate data. So, today we have come to say there is the need for us to be able to know our population so that we will be able to plan and indeed apportion our scare resources available to the government.
Whether he will make the programme a yearly event, Barrister Edeh said, “For now we did this without support. If the resources are available, why not. We look forward to collaborating in future with the government, spirited Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Nigerians who would help us continue galvanizing efforts in ensuring we have a tenable census. And so long as we do not act and act now, I think we will continue to lend the voice to ensure we have a census that is worthy. We know that the government is planning one for next year but we are also doubtful because 2023 is an election year and a new government coming on board may not seek to have that as it’s priority that’s why this year’s event is even very much important.
“My message is three fold. First to the government. There is need for us to act now. We cannot continue to have inaccurate data and that’s why you can see that the poverty rate in Nigeria has continued to be in the rise because we do not have the right tools to be able to measure where our wealth should be distributed. Second, I want to also speak to Nigerians because the issue of world population and this year’s theme is very profound because it highlights the fact that we have 8 billion people as against six billion we had about three, four, five years ago. So if you adjudge the world population viz-a-vis the fact that there is need for us to begin to have family planning so that as much as possible the population will be commensurable with the resources on available. Third and finally to be able to encourage the youth to be able to do the needful to ensure that they eschew violence so that we can have a better Nigeria.
Naija Ratels defeated the Abuja selected side two nil.
The event also featured the most Gorgeous Girl Nigeria, Queen Esther Abimbola, and her first runner-up, Rukayyah Mikayal.
The duo underscored the efficacy of a football match towards the campaign for family planning.
“It is good that the novelty game is being used to appeal to Nigerians to take family planning seriously. Good sensus will help the government plan effectively for the future of Youths and effective economic planning.”
