2023 census: NPC, NOA begin sensitisation in Gombe
The National Population Commission (NPC) in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency, has begun sensitising residents of Gombe State on the importance of participating in the 2023 census.
Addressing newsmen at the end of a road walk held in Gombe metropolis on Tuesday, Abubakar Danburam, the Federal Commissioner, NPC in Gombe State said the exercise was to engage residents ahead of the actual census.
Danburam said it was important to sensitise residents in view of the fact that the last census was conducted 16 years ago and the awareness needed to be created to tell them the reason and importance of the exercise.
He stated that conducting census needed the support of all stakeholders for it to be successful and that’s “why we are not leaving anyone behind because residents’ participation is very important.
“We are sensitising them on the need to come out and be counted and that’s why we embarked on the road show from Federal Secretariat complex through major streets, markets and then ended at the Emir’s palace.
“We shared handbills, stickers, carried banners amongst other materials just to make sure we reach out to the people.”
Speaking on the importance of census, the Federal Commissioner said census data remained a key asset of the country; adding that it is the data bank for developmental activities in the state and country.
“Census data will help the government at all levels to plan well and fast-track development of our society,” he said.
Danburam said the sensitisation in collaboration with NOA and other critical stakeholders would be a continuous one with a view to ensuring the successful conduct of the 2023 census in the state.
The Federal Commissioner called on the Gombe State government to partner with NPC ahead of the 2023 census, adding that the exercise needed collective efforts of all stakeholders.
On the recruitment of ad hoc staff in the state, Danburam said the response had been encouraging except for women.
“Women are lagging behind in terms of applying for NPC ad hoc staff and we need them to apply because during physical census, they will go into houses; so I am appealing to them to apply,” he said.
On her part, the Director of NOA in Gombe state, Mrs Adaline Patari, said the exercise was imperative in view of the need to involve the residents before the actual census.
Patari said the partnership with NPC was for a common purpose which is to have a successful census that would meet international standard, credible enough to propel development in the country.
She appealed to women to participate in all activities requiring their involvement to ensure the success of the census in 2023.
