Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Mohammed Bello, has called on media professionals to support the National Population Commission (NPC) to achieve a reliable, accurate and acceptable 2023 population and housing census in the territory.
The minister made the call at a one-day capacity-building workshop organised for journalists on the conduct and effective reporting of the 2023 Population and Housing Census by the National Population Commission (NPC) in Abuja, with the theme: Getting the people involved.
Bello, who was represented by the director of Information and Communication of the FCTA, Mr Mohammed Hazat explained that the administration is working closely with traditional institutions and local authorities in the territory to fully sensitise the residents, especially those in rural communities on the importance of availing themselves and their households for the enumerators to be counted during the exercise.
While urging the participants to pay attention and make judicious use of their time, the minister said that the workshop will build in the participants, capacity and skills to enable them effectively and efficiently report events and activities geared towards a successful national census.
“Without accurate data of the population and housing demographics in a country, the nation will not be able to fully develop because you would have nothing to rely on when planning for the socio-economic and educational development of the country,” he said.
He stated that the 2023 National Population and Housing Census is critical for the advancement of Nigeria and that it is, therefore, very important that adequate attention be paid to its conduct to ensure its success.
Earlier, the federal commissioner in charge of FCT, NPC, Mr Joseph Shazin Kwali stated that with the approval for the conduct of the next Population and Housing Census in 2023 by the president, preparations are in top gear for the successful implementation of the census project which he alluded that it is a national event and is the responsibility of every citizen to participate by presenting themselves to be counted.
Shazin further explained that the commission will no doubt, need the support of all stakeholders to deliver to the country credible and reliable data it can use for sustainable development planning.
“Over the years, the commission has invested considerable time and resources planning for the census by drawing from its rich institutional experience spanning two censuses and a pool of tested professionals to give the nation a truly digital and scientific census that will generate data for national planning within the context of our present realities.
“I am pleased to inform you all that the outcome of the preparatory activities of the 2023 Population and Housing census has been reassuring. The commission has successfully demarcated 774 LGAs in all the states of the federation and the FCT,” he said.
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