Obasanjo Receives National ID Card

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

•    Says it's more advanced than card available in 1979, 2003

Sheriff Balogun in Abeokuta

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday received the new National Identity Card from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), acknowledging that the it was more advanced than what they had in 1979 and 2003.

Obasanjo, who spoke while receiving the identity card in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, said the ID card was the third one ever received in his life, praying that it would be the last.

Obasanjo said he was happy that no one is protesting because there were protests in 1979 when he first introduced it.

He noted that advancement in modern technology had made it easier for people to understand the concept but he however expressed his fears on how the card would get across to the people in the villages and rural areas.

While appreciating the former President's role in the actualisation of the project, Director General, NIMC, Mr. Chris Onyeamenam, said the commission had put a lot of things into consideration before coming out with the card, saying they had outlined ways to address some of the issues raised by the former president.

He noted that the card possesses biometric data system and can be upgraded in the future if the need arises, adding that they have commenced data capturing at the rural areas and will not exclude any Nigerian irrespective of their status or geographical location.

Meanwhile, the commission also presented the ID Card to the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun in his office at Oke Mosan.

The governor, who was elated, also highlighted some of the advantages of the card and urged the commission to continue with the good job.

However, it would be recalled that for years, Nigerians have been clamouring for a single national identity card that will eliminate the usage of multiple cards for services that can be programmed on a single card.

In its attempt in meeting up with the challenges, NIMC came up with a multi-purpose national identity card with 13 applications.

Source: Thisday