By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Ahead of the 2023 National Population and Housing Census slated for March 29 to April 2, 2023, the National Population Commission (NPC), Delta State, has trained journalists on effective reporting of the 2023 population and housing census in Delta State.
Speaking at the one-day capacity building workshop held at the conference hall of the Federal Secretariat in Asaba, Delta State, on Thursday, February 23, the Federal Commissioner of NPC, Chief Richard Odibo, represented by the State Director of NPC, Mr. Patrick Lotobi, said the media is integral to the sensitisation of the masses and reporting activities of NPC in a positive way.
This he said, has necessitated the workshop for journalists.
He further stated that another reason for the one day capacity workshop was to ensure Journalists familiarize themselves with the activities of the commission and to as well familiarize themselves with some of the recent achievements by the commission in the areas of modern technologies and some terminologies in place for the 2023 National Population and Housing Census.
Chief Odibo noted that the essence of census is to provide accurate and reliable data assessments of persons in the country. He added that during census, vital data of the entire populace ranging from demographic information, social, economic value as well as fertility and mortality rate of citizens and migrants of the country are collated and analyzed to provide invaluable insights to the living condition of the people.
Speaking further, the Federal Commissioner stated that he workshop was designed to improve capacity of journalists to effectively and professionally report the Census processes and outcome of the 2023 Census.
“The role of the media in achieving a successful 2023 Population and Housing Census cannot be overemphasized as the media is there to inform, educate, refute negative perception as well as promote acceptability by the people”.
He further explained that census is a national event, and is the responsibility of every citizen to participate by presenting themselves to be counted, adding that the commission will no doubt need the support of all stakeholders to deliver to the country a credible and reliable data so that it can be used for sustainable development planning.
Three papers were presented by officials of the commission and journalists were also allowed to ask questions which were also answered by the resource persons.