NPC Seeks Media Collaboration for Credible Census in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

The National Population Commission (NPC) Anambra state has solicited support of the media towards credible, reliable and verifiable 2023 Population and Housing Census in the state.

Federal Commissioner representating the state in the Commission, Mr Chidi Ezeoke made this known at a one day capacity building workshop for journalists on effective reporting of the exercise.

He assured that preparations were on top gear for successful implementation of the census project.

Speaking on the theme, “Getting the people involved”, Ezeoke said the Commission would need the support of all stakeholders, especially the media to deliver credible and reliable data for sustainable development planning.

He said, “Over the years, the Commission has invested considerable time and resources in planning, by drawing from its rich institutional experience spanning two census and tested professionals to give a truly digital and scientific census that will generate date for national planning.

“The convening of this training workshop in Anambra state for the media underscores the determination and commitment of the Commission to conduct a successful population and housing Census in 2023 by engaging the media to effectively mobilize the citizenry.

“The goal of this workshop is to share the vision of the Commission and draw masses support to ensure broad-based national cooperation in the upcoming 2023 population and Housing Census”.

The NPC boss further urged the media to help sensitive the public on its activities and importance of effective participation in 2023 census in Anambra, just as he commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his support to the Commission.

In his speech, Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu stated that

government was interested in full participation of citizens in the forthcoming census in view of the importance it attached to the exercise.

He however regretted the lakadistical attitude of people of the state towards the exercise in past years, which he partly attributed it to ignorance, cautioning against a repeat.

He urged participants to assist in educating and mobilizing members of the public to ensure active participation during the exercise.

State Director NPC, Dr Joachim Ulasi, while presenting a paper on “Enumeration Area Demarcation for the 2023 population and Housing census”, part of the targets were to develop sustainable skilled workforce in terms of technological know-how and competence, upgrade the census cartographic frame to an internationally acceptable standards, among others. 

On his part, State Chairman, Nigerian Union of journalists (NUJ), Comrade Odogwu Emeka pledged readiness of media practitioners in the state to partner with NPC, especially in mobilizing residents towards successful census.

The workshop, also attended by Commissioner for Culture Tourism and Entertainment, Don Onyenji, was attended by over 30 journalists drawn from both print and electronics media outfits.