By Magnus Effiong
The National Population Commission (NPC) in Cross River State has intensified preparation for the population and housing census across the State scheduled for next month.
On Tuesday, the Commission inaugurated the census publicity, security and logistic Committees, followed with a brainstorming session with its local government coordinators to fashion out how best to give to Nigerians a credible and internationally acceptable census
In a chat with PillarToday in Calabar, shortly after meeting with coordinators, the Federal Commissioner representing Cross River on the NPC Board, Navy Captain Charles Ogwa (rtd), said the Commission was leaving no stone unturned in ensuring a hitch-free exercise.
“The inauguration of publicity, security and logistics committees is to take our preparation to another level as we are all determined to ensure the population and housing census succeeds.
“The overriding vision of the Commission is to generate credible data and since census is for everyone, we will ensure everybody is counted wherever they are and in doing so we had to bring on board the publicity committee.
“And, as we all know, census involves human and materials. We have to move resources and personnel to all the nooks and crannies of the State hence the need for the logistics committee. Of course security committee will be in charge of protecting materials and personnel during the exercise.
“We are happy that the Cross River government did the inauguration of the committees. The Governor was represented by the Commissioner for Information, and I believe this will bring synergy between the State government and the Commission,” he stated
The Commissioner further said the meeting with local government Controllers across the 18 Council Areas on Wednesday was to further ascertain the level of preparedness.
“As we speak, the Controllers are departing to their various local government areas to ensure everything is in place. I want to assure Cross River people that the Commission is poised to conduct a credible and acceptable census but we need the cooperation of everyone,” he reiterated.
