The National Population Commission, NPC, has unveiled the Plateau compendium of localities ahead of the 2023 population and housing census.
The commission presented the compendium at a two-day state level workshop on compendium of localities on Thursday at Government House, Jos.
The workshop was organised by the commission in collaboration with other stakeholders to finalise and present to the grassroots the final list of localities for the 2023 population and housing census.
No fewer thsn 4,336 localities consisting of sub- primary, primary, secondary and tertiary localities have been mapped out for the 2023 census in the state.
Speaking at the event, the State Director of NPC in Plateau, Pam Deme, said that the workshop was organised to present their pre-censual activities to the state stakeholders.
He said that the workshop was also to create an interface where stakeholders could ask pertinent questions on the Enumeration Area Demarcation, EAD, exercise, to enable them to enlighten their community members.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Fidelis Tapgun, said that the census exercise was not a tool for politics but to facilitate proper planning and budget for the country for development purposes.
“This is not politics but the need to get it right. The census will ensure proper planning and budgeting for provisions to be made accordingly,” he said.
He urged the stakeholders to cooperate with NPC for the success of the census exercise, while assuring them of the ministry’s cooperation in the discharge of their duties.
In his remarks, a traditional ruler in the state, the Gwom Rwey Ropp, Da Edward Bot, assured NPC of the cooperation of traditional rulers for the success of the exercise, describing it as critical to development.
Also speaking, Alexander Nantuaam, the Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, in Plateau, assured the commission of their support in providing logistics and security for its workers.
He said that the presentation of the compendium would enable the chairmen to review the document in their respective councils, and seek clarifications and appropriate action on grey areas.
The Federal Commissioner for NPC in Plateau, Cecilia Dapoet, urged the stakeholders to ensure the cooperation and involvement of their community members during the exercise while being vigilante.
“You are here because you are capable of mobilising and educating your people,” she said .
She assured Nigerians of NPC’s commitment to deliver accurate, reliable and acceptable data toward sustainable national development, while appealing for cooperation to enable it to perform the exercise professionally.
Soft copies of the compendium was presented to the chairman of ALGON in the state and other chairmen at the event.
Participants at the workshop included chairmen of local governments, traditional rulers, National Orientation Agency and other relevant government agencies, among other relevant stakeholders
NAN
