By Martha Agas
Plateau Gov. Simon Lalong has described data that will be generated from the proposed 2023 census as critical in addressing insecurity in the country.
The governor stated this at a stakeholders summit in Plateau, organised by the National Population Commission (NPC) on Thursday in Jos.
The summit was organised to facilitate the success of the 2023 population and housing census with theme: “Getting the People
Involved”.
Lalong, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties , Mr Jerry Wuyep, said “the 2023 census data is needed to tackle the security challenges bedeviling the country, as it will give an overview of the population,where they are and who they are”.
He said that his administration has carried out major programmes in infrastructural development saying, the census data would improve implementation of its programmes targeting vulnerable populations.
He said that another national census after 16 years it was last conducted would provide a new set of demographic and socio-economic data, critical for national planning and sustainable development, particularly in the provision of basic amenities.
He urged stakeholders to support the commission in the exercise saying, politics should not be involved in data gathering as the census is a purely statistical exercise which would provide a veritable tool for planning.
Speaking at the event, the Federal Commissioner of the NPC in Plateau, Mrs Cecilia Dapoet, said that summit was to engage critical stakeholders to ensure a successful and credible census in 2023.
“It will broaden state level support base for the conduct of the 2023 census through creating public awareness, including its imperatives, methodology and timelines.
“The summit will promote robust and informed conversation on the processes and procedures for the 2023 census.
“It will provide a platform to offer clarification and receive feedback and suggestions on salient issues and concerns related to the conduct of the census,” she said.
The NPC official said the commission was committed to ensure credible results, where the quality of data meets international best standards for planning and developmental purposes .
In his remarks, Hon Alex Nantuam , the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Plateau, said that the chairmen of the 17 local governments in the state would support the exercise.
He said that the chairmen would support the commission in the orientation of communities for census and in providing local security for the enumeration staff.
Also, speaking at the event, Da Jacob Buba Gyang , the chairman of the Plateau Council of Chiefs and Emirs and the Gbong Gwom Jos, said that the census would ensure that traditional leaders know the population of their domains.
Represented by the Bra Ngwe Irigwe, retired Rev. Ronku Aka, the chairman assured the commission of their support for the success of the exercise.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a technical session was also organised on International Standards and Best Practices in Modern Census Taking; Digital Mapping for 2023 Census and Methods and Innovations in 2023 Population and Housing Census amongst others.
Participants of the summit included religious organisations, civil society organisations, government agencies, women and youth groups, Nigeria Union of Journalists and Nigeria Labour Congress.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng
