Oluwatobi Adu 
LOKOJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has launched a ward development enumeration exercise in Kogi State, marking the first phase of a nationwide data collection initiative designed to strengthen grassroots planning, improve resource allocation and support evidence-based development across Nigeria.
The exercise begins with the training of enumerators in Lokoja on Friday, where government officials describe the initiative as a critical step towards generating credible statistics that will guide policy decisions, reduce poverty, create jobs and address the unique needs of communities at ward level.
Speaking during the training, Statistician-General of the Kogi State Bureau of Statistics, Irewole Ayo-Alani, says the ward development enumeration will provide reliable data needed to drive inclusive development and equitable distribution of resources across the country.
She says the exercise will strengthen Nigeria’s statistical system by identifying the needs, resources and economic opportunities within every ward, enabling governments at all levels to design programmes that respond to local realities.
Ayo-Alani calls on local government chairmen, councillors, traditional rulers and residents to cooperate fully with enumerators to ensure the success of the exercise.
“The success of this exercise depends on the support of communities. The information gathered will help the government make informed decisions that directly improve the lives of Nigerians,” she says.
Coordinator of the programme, Christiana Attah, describes the initiative as more than a routine data collection exercise, stressing that the statistics generated will serve as a foundation for planning by federal, state and local governments, as well as development partners working to improve livelihoods nationwide.
“The work you are about to undertake is not merely about filling forms. You are contributing to nation-building through the provision of credible statistics for national development,” Attah says.
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