The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Mohammed Bello has charged Journalists on accurate data reportage of the 2023 Population and Housing Census
The Minister gave the charge during a workshop themed: “Getting The People Involved,“ which was organized for media professionals on effective reportage of the Census by the National Population Commission in Abuja Nigeria’s capital with the
Represented by the Director, Information and Communication of the FCTA, Mr Mohammed Hazat explained that the Administration is; “Working closely with traditional institutions and local authorities in the Territory to fully sensitize the residents especially those in rural communities on the importance of availing themselves and their households for the enumerators to be counted during the exercise.”
While urging the participants to pay attention and make judicious use of their time, the Minister explained that the workshop would improve their capacity and skills to enable them effectively and efficiently reports events, activities geared towards a successful national census.
According to him, “Without accurate data of the population and housing demographic in a country, the nation will not be able fully to develop because you would have nothing to rely on when planning for the socio-economic and educational development of the country.“
Bello who stated that the 2023 National Population and Housing Census is critical for the advancement of Nigeria, added; “It is, therefore, very important that adequate attention be paid to its conduct in order to ensure its success.”
The Federal Commissioner in charge of FCT, National Population Commission, Mr Joseph Kwali stated that preparations are in top gear for the successful conduct of the census exercise adding that it is the responsibility of every citizen to participate by presenting themselves to be counted.
He called for the support of stakeholders to deliver to the country credible and reliable data it can use for sustainable development and planning.
“Over the years, the Commission has invested considerable time and resources planning for the 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.
“I am pleased to inform you all that the outcome of the preparatory activities of the 2023 Population and Housing census has been reassuring. The Commission has successfully demarcated 774 LGAs in all the States of the federation and the FCT”.
The Federal Commissioner also stated that the Commission conducted the first and the second census pre-test exercises in preparation for the census and added that the trial census was conducted in June 2022.
He further said that the Commission is on course in its mission of delivering an accurate census to Nigerians and strategic partnership with the media would ensure that citizens are well informed.
Kwali reassured the participants that the Commission would continue to engage them on all activities of the Commission especially, towards the successful conduct of the 2023 Population and Housing Census.
He reiterated 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 professionally.
PIAK
