By Magnus Effiong
The National Population Commission (NPC) is partnering with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and training the Agency’s staff for a robust sensitization campaign to enable Nigerians take active part in the forthcoming 2023 census.
In a chat with reporters in Calabar, the Federal Commissioner representing Cross River in the NPC Board, Navy Captain Charles Ogwa (rtd) said the partnership and training were necessary considering the importance of the 2023 census to the country in terms of socio-economic development.
The Commissioner said the roles of NOA in advocacy, publicity and sensitization were vital and that a road show, billed for Friday, would traverse “the nooks and crannies of Calabar to sensitize the populace on the 2023 Population and Housing Census.”
On the essence of the capacity workshop, which had the theme ‘Methodology for the 2023 Population and Housing Census,’ Ogwa said the workshop’s objective “is to acquaint NOA staff with the workings of NPC and processes of census.”
He explained further that “The road-show which was conducted at the National is being replicated at the State level to compliment the advocacy and publicity for the next Census. The NOA has established structures and channels of communication in National, States and Local Government Areas.
“It has also cultivated a relationship with opinion leaders and influencers at the grassroots through its presence in al the Local Government Areas of the country. Leveraging these existing structures of NOA where it has a comparative advantage over the Commission will ensure grassroots dissemination of the 2023 Census messages.”
On his part, the NOA State Director, Mr Ammissine Ogban, said his Agency would ensure Nigerians see reasons they should make themselves available to be counted.
“We will use advocacy, visits to traditional leaders, women leaders, youths and other opinion moulders to create a robust sensitization. We will use our staff in the 18 LGAs through door-to-door mobilization.
“We will visit markets, religious organisations and other public places to create the needed awareness. We will educate, enlighten and sensitize our people,” he stated.
