The National Population Commission (NPC) has recorded low attendance by Nigerians during its trial exercise. Dr. Tony Aiyejina, the Federal Commissioner of NPC in Edo State, disclosed this at a one‑day capacity‑building workshop for journalists on effective reporting of the 2023 Population and Housing Census, held in Benin City on Sunday.
The trial period serves as preparation for the national headcount scheduled for March 29 – April 2. According to Aiyejina, the seminar’s purpose was to enhance publicity and public enlightenment about the upcoming exercise. He emphasized that technology will be employed without compromise, noting that the Commission, with the administration’s approval and support, has decided to conduct a digital census—the first of its kind in Nigeria. This represents a paradigm shift of epochal proportions, as all processes before, during, and after the census will be carried out on digital platforms and devices.
Aiyejina further explained that Nigerians need to be educated and enlightened about this new approach. He highlighted the media’s role as the fourth estate, stating that journalists will play a critical and pivotal part in the census project. This is the main reason for holding the capacity‑building workshop: to give journalists the opportunity to understand basic concepts and methodology in census taking, which will ultimately lead to effective reportage of the census.
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