TRIAL CENSUS OPENED OUR EYES IN EBONYI — NPC COMMISSIONER

REPORTER: AMECHI ODO

The National Population Commission (NPC) in Ebonyi State has stressed the need for continuous education of the people on the importance of head count to economic planning and nation building ahead of 2023 planned census.

The Federal Commissioner in charge of Ebonyi State, Chief Darlington Okereke, made the call while briefing journalists on the outcome of the just concluded trial census in nine local government areas of the state.

Chief Okereke noted that intensive sensitization of the people had become imperative following findings that some household members outrightly refused to be counted during the trial.

”Now we are armed with the shortcomings, the Commission will look inwards and re-strategize in areas such as continuous education of the people on the importance of headcount to economic planning and nation building through media campaign.

“The formation of Ebonyi State Census Publicity Committee without delay will be an advantage to the successful 2023 Population and Housing Census in Ebonyi State” Chief Okereke said.

Chief Okereke noted that the exercise also faced the challenge of non provision of local guides and canvassed deeper community involvement in the main census.

“The issue of local guide is quite critical to the success of the main census and should be flagged as priority.

“There should also be community ownership and involvement through the traditional ruler, town union presidents, village heads and women leaders,” he suggested.

Radio Nigeria gathered that the Commission adopted Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews for data collection, Questionaires and several other forms embedded in the Personal Digital Assistant.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU