Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant Environmental Impact ... - IFC

Figure 5.3 Age Distribution, Edo State (2006)
450,000
400,000
350,000
300,000
Population
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
-
14
19
24
29
34
39
44
49
54
59
64
69
74
79
0-4 5-9 10-
15-
20-
25-
30-
35-
40-
45-
50-
55-
60-
65-
70-
75-
80-
84
Age Group
Source: 2006 Population and Housing Census of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Typically, developing countries demonstrate younger populations due to high
birth rates, limited family planning and poor access to health infrastructure.
Although Edo State demonstrates a comparatively young population, the gap
between the national and state averages may be explained by the youth
migration (driven by employment seeking) from the rural areas surrounding
Benin City to larger urban areas such as Lagos or Abuja.
Population Distribution and Trends in the Project Area
Within the three communities in the vicinity of the Project, it was observed
that Idunmwowina-Urho-Nisen is comparatively more densely populated
when compared to Ihovbor-Evboeka and Orior-Osemwende. Similarly to the
national and state level trends, the population of all three communities is
fairly youthful.
During FGDs and interviews, community stakeholders stated they believed
that there had been changes in the age composition in the last ten years.
Informants in Orior-Osemwende stated that that the youth had been moving
to urban areas in search of jobs, vocational training and schooling, influencing
the age makeup of the local population.
However, residents of Ihovbor-Evboeka and Idunmwowina-Urho-Nisen
reported an increase in the youth population in the area, due to migration for
the construction work at the neighbouring NIPP being built right now. These
reports indicate an expected trend in youth migration toward opportunities
for employment in the local area, and away from locations elsewehere in
Nigeria where opportunities might be limited.
AZURA EDO IPP
5-8
DRAFT EIA REPORT