By Ahmed Ahmed
The National Population Commission (NPC) in Bauchi seeks the support of media organisations to ensure successful conduct of the 2023 population and housing census across the state.
Alhaji Ibrahim Darazo, Federal Commissioner of the Commission made the call at a breakfast meeting with media executives on the 2023 population and housing census on Monday in Bauchi.
He said the essence of the meeting is to brief them on the status of preparations for the 2023 Census and the next steps forward in light of the postponement of the census as well seek for collaborations.
Darazo explained that the postponement of the 2023 PHC would yield results contrary to the negative impression that the postponement might affect the successful conduct of the exercise.
“We meet the media chief executives to support the commission and ensure successful conduct of the 2023 Population and Housing Census
“The commission had carried out massive advocacy and publicity for the 2023 Census at national and state levels.
“Media campaign was intensified while collaboration with stakeholders was strengthened through the inauguration of Census publicity committees at national and LGAs,” Darazo said
The Federal Commissioner called on the media to continue to intensify their efforts toward achieving a credible and acceptable head count in the country.
He said that the commission was not just looking at the immediate need of delivering the next Census but concerned more with laying a solid foundation for future censuses.
“We assure Nigerians that the preparations that have been made and money spent is secure, they are not wasted, and we will continue to work towards the success of the exercise.”
He also said the commission had acquired Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) for the 2023 Census, adding that no fewer than 500,000 of these devices had been delivered to the 36 states and the FCT after being configured.
The state Director of the Commission Malam Hudu Babale said the objective of the breakfast meeting is to update the media executives on the status of preparations for the 2023 Census and the next steps forward in the light of the postponement of the Census.
He appreciated the Media earlier for attending the meeting to move the Commission and the state forward.
In a remark, Malam Umar Said Chairman Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ Bauchi Council appreciated the Commission for its continued collaboration with the media circle and the training.
He also assured continued partnership with the commission to ensure credible census for the development of the county.