News
Iraq Undertakes Historic Census After 40-Year Gap
Iraq is holding its first nationwide census in nearly four decades this week, a long-awaited count in a nation that has been blighted by sectarian and ethnic divisions.
The census is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, and will provide sorely needed up-to-date demographic data for the country which has an estimated population of around 44 million.
It will be the first census to cover all 18 governorates since 1987, when dictator Saddam Hussein was in power, following repeated delays caused by years of war and political tensions between factions.
“More generally across the country, parliamentary representation will change,” said Hamzeh Hadad, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).
With one member of parliament allocated by the constitution per 100,000 Iraqis, “having an official census will mean the numbers will have to be adjusted” based on the new demographic breakdown, he said.
A count conducted in 1997 excluded the three northern provinces that make up the autonomous Kurdistan region.
The upcoming census has reignited tensions between Baghdad and Kurdistan over disputed territories in the north.
The census includes religion but does not differentiate between sects, such as Sunni and Shiite Muslims, and, unlike previous counts, it excludes ethnicity.
“There are some crucial details in this census that might be missing to appease all sides to finally allow it to take place,” Hadad added.
Iraq has been keen to conduct the census for budgetary reasons.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said the census was important for “development and planning steps in all sectors that contribute to the advancement and progress of Iraq”, where electricity is scarce and infrastructure largely in disrepair.
– Two-day curfew –
During the census a two-day curfew will operate, with families having to stay at home so 120,000 researchers can collect data directly from households.
A questionnaire seen by AFP records the number of people per household, health status, education level, employment status, number of cars and even an inventory of household appliances, so standards of living can be assessed.
Iraq has spent much of the past few decades devastated by conflict and sanctions, including a sectarian struggle after the US-led invasion 2003 toppled Saddam and the emergence of the Islamic State group in 2014.
Demographics are likely to have shifted with the exile of hundreds of thousands of Christians, and also of tens of thousands of Yazidi families who were displaced from Sinjar by atrocities committed by IS extremists.
Iraq has regained some semblance of stability in recent years, despite sporadic violence and political turmoil.
To organise the count, authorities partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in an effort to generate “accurate demographic information, facilitating effective policymaking and promoting inclusive growth”.
After years of uncertainty, the census will reveal “the reality of Iraq in its smallest details”, said planning ministry spokesman Abdel-Zahra al-Hindawi.
“We will be able to diagnose all the problems that paralyse development in the areas of health, education, housing,” he added.
– Demographic shift –
Previous censuses were cancelled mainly because of tensions over disputed territories between the Kurdish, Arab, and Turkoman communities in the northern governorates of Kirkuk and Nineveh.
There is still “a lot of sensitivity over disputed territories”, said the ECFR’s Hadad.
“It’s not just the Arabisation policy under Saddam Hussein. But the reversal of it and Kurdification of disputed territories post-2003. So it’s not one-sided.”
Fahmi Burhane, a Kurdistan region official focused on the disputed territories, voiced long-standing fears among Kurds about a demographic shift in Kirkuk and other areas claimed by both Baghdad and Arbil.
“If we look at past censuses, the number of Kurds has gradually decreased in the Kurdish regions outside autonomous Kurdistan,” he said, referring to the movement of Arabs into areas such as Kirkuk under Saddam.
“Arab neighbourhoods have been built in recent years, which absolutely do not correspond to normal population growth,” he said.
In the census, Baghdad has agreed to register only the descendants of families who were present in the disputed territories during the 1957 count, in order to prevent subsequent waves of migration from disrupting the demographic balance. Newcomers will be counted in their province of origin.
Burhane said the Iraqi government has been able to “alleviate certain concerns” over the poll.
…Says Tinubu’s policies shaping Nigeria’s future
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, describing him as a transformative leader whose commitment to national development remains unwavering.
In a statement on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, praised Tinubu for his visionary leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s progress. According to him, the President’s political trajectory and governance philosophy have laid the foundation for a more prosperous nation.
“President Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic development are unparalleled. His leadership has inspired a new era of governance rooted in progressive ideals and economic transformation,” Oseni said.
The lawmaker highlighted the President’s role in fostering democratic growth, strengthening institutions, and implementing key economic reforms aimed at stabilising the nation. He added that Tinubu’s policies, particularly in infrastructure and road rehabilitation, are crucial to Nigeria’s long-term development.
Oseni commended Tinubu for prioritising road infrastructure, stating that a well-maintained road network is essential for economic expansion and national cohesion. He pledged his committee’s continued support in ensuring that FERMA’s projects align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Beyond infrastructure, the lawmaker lauded Tinubu’s economic policies, including efforts to attract foreign investments and promote industrialisation. He expressed optimism that the government’s initiatives would yield tangible results, urging Nigerians to remain patient as reforms take shape.
“As a nation, we must rally behind the President’s agenda for economic recovery. Nation-building is a collective effort, and we must support policies that drive growth, stability, and prosperity,” he stated.
Oseni prayed for the President’s good health and strength, urging leaders across the country to emulate Tinubu’s resilience, strategic foresight, and inclusive governance.
The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon and Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, alongside his wife, Olori Olushola Adedoyin Alao, has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of Mrs. Abisola Kola-Daisi, daughter of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi.
In a jointly signed condolence message, the royal couple described the news as heartbreaking, especially coming just five years after the demise of the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
They extended their sympathies to Mr. Idris Kolapo Kola-Daisi, Abisola’s husband, their children, as well as Chief Kola Daisi and the entire Kola-Daisi family, urging them to find strength in this difficult time.
“This tragic loss has brought sorrow to the hearts of friends, relations, and well-wishers of the esteemed Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families. Bisola’s warm smile brightened the lives of those around her, and she carried herself with grace, nobility, and kindness,” the statement read.
Praying for divine comfort and fortitude for the bereaved families, the Olugbon and Olori noted that though Abisola’s life was brief, it was impactful and meaningful.
“We urge the family to take solace in the remarkable life she lived. A short but impactful life is truly valuable. May Almighty Allah grant her Aljanna Firdaus,” they added.
The royal couple also prayed that God would grant Chief (Mrs.) Ajimobi, her children, and the entire Kola-Daisi family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mrs Bisola Kola-Daisi, daughter of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, described Bisola’s death as a tragic loss not only to her family but also to the wider Oyo State community.
In a condolence message issued on Thursday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker sympathised with the Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families, praying for divine strength and comfort in their time of grief.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs Bisola Kola-Daisi. My heart goes out to the Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families, especially, our late leader’s widow, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi during this painful period. May God grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” he said.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain urged the late governor’s wife, Chief Florence Ajimobi and other members of the bereaved families to find solace in Bisola’s impactful life. He emphasised that, beyond being the daughter of a respected former governor, she distinguished herself as a businesswoman and philanthropist, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
“Bisola was a woman of substance who made significant contributions to society. Her kindness, dedication, and commitment to excellence will always be remembered,” Oseni added.
The lawmaker also extended his condolences to Bisola’s husband, Mr Idris Kola-Daisi, acknowledging the immense pain he must be experiencing. He prayed for divine strength for him and the entire Kola-Daisi family as they navigate this difficult time.
Oseni further called on the public to keep the bereaved families in their thoughts and prayers. He prayed that Almighty God grants Bisola eternal rest and gives her loved ones the resilience to endure the painful loss.
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