NPC Boss Reassure Nigerians of Credible 2023 Population & Housing Census

By Praise Chinecherem

The National Population Commission (NPC) has reassured that the outcome of the 2023 Population and Housing Census would not only be acceptable, but would give Nigerians reasons to smile.

The Federal Commissioner representing Anambra State, Chief Chidi Ezeoke stated this on Thursday in Awka at a 3-day Zonal Level training of local government areas Comptrollers from Anambra, Enugu and Imo States on critical census processes.

Ezeoke was reacting to worry being expressed as regards involvement of Nigerians in the forthcoming headcount, following perceived dampened spirits over outcome of just concluded presidential elections.

He said, “No matter how dark the night is, there must be morning. I strongly believe that this Census we’re about to conduct will bring a lot of smiles on the faces of Nigerians. 

“Besides, our functions are not the same with that of INEC. For example, everybody, including children born today are involved in census, but you must be up to 18 years before you can participate in election.”

Ezeoke explained that the training was targeted at updating the participants on roles of census functionaries, modalities of LGA training of enumerators, publicity and advocacy strategies, among other contents.

Describing the Comptrollers as critical to census functionaries, the NPC boss challenged them to be fully acquainted with the operations of the exercise to enhance its success at the grassroots.

“Your assignment is very important and sacred which must be given deserved attention. The success and failure of the exercise depends on the way and manner you arranged for the real census functionaries.

“That’s why thorough care and adequate mobilization is needed. It is what you know you’ll impact on others and you can only be proud of what you’ve done when you do what’s right,” he added.

State Director, Dr. Joachim Ulasi disclosed that a total of 65 comptrollers, comprising 21 from Anambra, 17 from Enugu and 27 from Imo State, as well as Directors and facilitators were involved in the training.

“Our activities are gradually moving down to the grassroots where the real actions are to take place. The comptrollers, as engine room are expected to meet with Presidents General, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to ensure seemless exercise,” he noted.