The National Population Commission has once again cleared the air on the 2023 Population and Housing Census, stating that it was only postponed and not cancelled as it is been misconstrued in some quarters.
The NPC in Kogi State also explained that the 2023 National Population and Housing Census was was only postponed to allow for further preparations and for more logistics arrangements.
Prof. Jimoh Habibat Isah, Hon. Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission made the disclosure at a luncheon meeting organised for Media Executives in the State held in Lokoja.
The Theme of the Luncheon: Getting people involved and the postponement of 2023 Population and Housing Census”, the National Commissioner desclosed was to enable the Commission complete training and retraining of personnel and supervisors who he disclosed constitute the bulk of staff needed to carry out the 2023 census exercise.
The National Commissioner expressed optimism and confidence that with the amount of money running into billions of Naira already spent ahead the Census, expressed optimism that the new administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu would after settling down, ensure the completion of the 2023 census exercise.
Prof. Jimoh described the efforts to conduct the 2023 Census as one that is adequate, said the efforts is with the view to coming out with adequate, reliable and acceptable Census figures.
The National Commissioner urged Nigerians not to entertain any fears, pointing out that the census has not been cancelled, desclosed that census activities is not a child’s play.
While pointing out that the postponement of the census became necessary to enable for completion of training of personnel and retraining of supervisors as well as to put in place other vital logistics for an adequate census.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Kogi State Director, National Population Commission, Mr. Ojo Abiodun Titus, said the luncheon with the media Exercises is to further strengthen the relationship exiting with the Media towards helping to enlighten the public that the 2023 census was only postponed and not cancelled.
The State Director appreciated the role the media has played in sensitization and enlightenment which he pointed out has greatly helped in the success of the Commission’s activities in the State, called for renewed commitment from the media.
The State Director stressed that despite the postponement, the Commission is working round the clock to retain the public confidence, solicited the continued support of the media in delivering a credible census.
In his message to the luncheon, the Kogi State Commissioner For Information and Communication, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, assured of the support of the State media in ensuring that everyone in the State and at the Grassroots is informed about the forthcoming Census.
Highlights of the Luncheon for Media Executives was the presentation of goodwill messages by the heads of Media organisations in the State as well as the NUJ who all pledged their unalloyed support to effective coverage that would ensure a credible 2023 Census.