- joins Ondo governorship race
The immediate past Commissioner representing Ondo State on the board of the National Population Commission (NPC), Prince Diran Iyantan has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that biometric data gathering is used in the proposed 2024 census in the country.
He spoke in Akure the state capital, where he formally declared his intention to contest the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State. He will be contesting on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC,
At his formal declaration in Akure the state capital, ahead of the November governorship election, he stressed that if the scientific method is used, it would authenticate citizens counted and such data collected could be used for other purposes including tackling crimes.
His words: “I believe it is crucial for President Tinubu to take the census project to a higher level by incorporating scientific methodologies into the data collection process.
“While the commission has already deployed state-of-the-art technology for data collection, we have not fully embraced the power of science in gathering data through biometric technology.
“During my time with the commission, there were extensive debates on the inclusion of biometric data collection. Unfortunately, due to cost management concerns, this idea was not pursued. However, I firmly believe that it was a missed opportunity.
“If we include this vital component of biometric data gathering in the NPC budget, it will not only authenticate everyone counted but also serve as a foolproof way to prevent crimes and address critical issues through proper identification and management of citizens’ data.
“President Tinubu should prioritize the inclusion of biometric data gathering in the 2024 census. This will ensure that everyone counted is truly accounted for through biometric tracking data systems.
“By doing so, Nigeria will only need to update its census figures periodically without having to conduct the entire exercise of national headcount all over again. Moreover, with the press of a button, we will be able to access the data of any citizen with biometric watertight identification.”
On his governorship ambition, Iyantan said: “My vision for Ondo State is one of inclusivity, empowerment, and sustainable development. I am committed to building a state where every citizen has equal opportunities to thrive, regardless of their background or social status.
“I intend to create an enabling environment that attracts investments, stimulates job creation, and ensures the prosperity of our people.”
He promised to prioritise education, health, and agriculture as well as strengthen the security architecture in the state, including equipping Amotekun Corps to drastically combat crime..
Iyantan noted that investment and development cannot thrive wherever there is insecurity.
On his preparation for his party’s primary, he advocated that direct primary should be adopted to allow all card-carrying members of his party to participate in choosing who should be the standard bearer of the party in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
He said this would prevent moneybags from hijacking the party’s ticket even when they are not acceptable to members of the party and the people of the state who would vote in the election.
