2023 Census: Population Commission reaffirms commitment to accurate data delivery

The federal commissioner of National Population Commission, (NPC), representing Anambra State, Mr. Chidi Ezeoke, has reaffirmed that the commission is fully prepared for the successful implementation of the census project.

He stated that the commission has invested considerable time and resources planning for the 2023 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.

Ezeoke stated this on Thursday in Awka, Anambra State capital, at a 3-day zonal level training of local government areas Comptrollers from Anambra, Enugu and Imo States on critical census processes.

According to Ezeoke, “I strongly believe that this census we are about to conduct will bring a lot of smiles on the faces of Nigerians.”

He 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 commissioner urged 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 is why thorough care and adequate mobilization are needed. It is what you know you will impact on others and you can only be proud of what you have done when you do what is right,” he stated.

Speaking at the occasion, the Anambra State NPC Director, Dr. Joachim Ulasi, asserted that getting the 2023 Population and Housing Census right is a task that must be done and the commission is committed to ensuring that everything about the census is done rightly and professionally.

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

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

The Population and Housing Census will be conducted nationwide from March 29 to April 2, 2023.