Christian, Islamic Leaders Pledge Support For 2023 Census

The College of Bishops and Imams Council (CBICC) has pledged to mobilise the faithful to participate in the upcoming national census exercise saying it is a viable way of planning for development in the society.

The council in a statement signed by its convener, Bishop Abel King while commending President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the conduct of the census said as a religious organisation it will organise a rally/prayer session at the Unity Fountain in Abuja on Friday for a credible and successful exercise.

The group also tasked government agencies and other well-meaning groups and organisations to mobilise Nigerians to actively participate in the census exercise.

“It is imperative for government agencies particularly the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to beef up advocacy for the census in order to complement the good work of the commission.

“As clergy men and women, we are connected to the people and it is our duty to extend advocacy to our members to participate actively in the forthcoming census to achieve a credible census exercise desired for the proper planning and development of the people whom we serve.

“In view of this, the college is holding a one-day joint prayer rally to pray for the success of the forthcoming census exercise. Accordingly, Friday April 7 has been slated by the council for the joint prayer rally at the unity fountain Abuja,” the statement stated.

The group praised the National Population Commission (NPC) for ensuring that a national census exercise is organised at this time to collate proper data that will aid planning and research as well as accountable utilisation of resources.