Kogiflame
The National Population Commission (NPC) has that 2023 population and Housing census would be fully digitalized, assuring that the commission has deployed modern technology to conduct the exercise in order to enhance data quality at the end of the process.
The Executive Chairman (NPC) Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra stated this on Wednesday during the national stakeholders summit on the 2023 Population and Housing Census held in Government House Lokoja, Kogi state.
Isa Kwarra who was represented by the federal commissioner in charge of Kogi State Prof. Habibat Jimoh, assured Nigerians, development partners that the commission would conduct a credible and acceptable census that would definitely meet international standards.
According to him, the 2023 census which will kick start in the month of April will entails counting every Nigerians in the right way, at the right place and time, stressing that the exercise is for the benefits of all persons resident in Nigeria.
“As you are all aware, preparations for the conduct of the 2023 population and housing census are in top gear and as part of efforts to deliver a credible and reliable census, the commission is committed to ensuring that the results of the census are acceptable to Nigerians and the quality of the data to be generated meets international best standards for planning and developmental purposes.
He commended the state governor Yahaya Bello for his support and provision of adequate security during the trial enumeration exercise and also solicited the support of the state government before , during and after the census exercise.
In his address, the Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello, stated that governments at all levels rely largely on population data to activate and sustain development and urged the commission to ensure accurate population data to pave ways for provision of basic amenities such as electricity, water, schools, housing, health and educational facilities, among others.
The governor who was represented by his deputy Edward Onoja, assured the Commission of the state government commitment to ensure that the 2023 census will take place and everyone will be counted in the right place, for the benefit of all citizens of our dear state.
“Census taking cannot be left to the National Population Commission or the Federal Government alone.
“Therefore, I wish to solicit the support of critical stakeholders including the various ministries and departments of the State Government, Local Government Councils, Traditional and Religious Institutions, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sectors, media, Development Partners, Donor Agencies and the general populace for the successful conduct of the 2023 Census” he said.
In his goodwill message, the representative of National Youth Council Dan-Asabe Mohammed said no nation can succeed in the area of development without knowing the population of its citizens and urged NPC to ensure that the right things are done for the purpose of fulfilling the mandate giving to the commission.
The Obaro of Kabba , Oba Solomon Owoniyi who spoke on behalf of traditional rulers in the state advised the commission not to allow politicians to hijack the process to avoid census controversy.