Many Enugu residents say they are unaware of the forthcoming National Population Commission’s national census slated for May 3 to 8, 2023, across the country.

A cross-section of the residents bared their minds in separate interviews on Monday in Enugu. They said there needs to be more sensitisation on the census.

Olu Omotayo, a civil rights lawyer, said he was aware of the census but confirmed that many residents around him were unaware of the census.

According to him, the general awareness among the people was very low. 

He added that the National Population Commission (NPC) might need to do more in sensitisation.

“I am aware of the forthcoming census exercise, but I am not sure if many people around my area are aware,” Mr Omotayo said. “It appears many residents of my area are unaware of the census.”

Also, Steve Ofilli, a current affairs analyst, said the awareness and sensitisation by relevant authorities in charge were insufficient.

“Apart from some of us who are close to the media and have access to reading newspapers, many other residents are unaware of what is happening.

“I think the NPC needs to do more in the area of sensitisation because I am sure these things were budgeted for by the federal government,” he said.

Similarly, a trader at Holy Ghost Market, Enugu, Juliet Ene, said she was unaware and uninterested in the census.

Ms Ene said she had decided to only participate in government programmes once she sees the outcome of the February 25 elections.

“They should leave us alone. After all the efforts we put in to change Nigeria for good by standing for hours in the sun to vote, our votes did not count; so, how are we sure that our heads will count,” said Ms Ene.

Mark Okpo, a politician, said he was fully aware of the census exercise.

He, however, said that the government’s plan of scheduling the census in the same year as the national election was improper.

“I have been doing my best to sensitise my constituents, but it appears that since the election, their morale is low,” stated Mr Okpo. “Many don’t believe anything good can come out of the census.”

Meanwhile, the NPC federal commissioner in Enugu, Ejike Eze, debunked the insinuation of inadequate sensitisation.

He said the commission had been on radio stations with jingles and adverts, sensitising the residents in all the 17 council areas of Enugu severally, telling people about the census.

“Even during our demarcation exercise, we engaged stakeholders and had a series of stakeholders’ engagements with traditional and religious leaders and government functionaries,” Mr Eze explained.

The NPC commissioner added, “We have excess applicants for census ad hoc staff, and in some local government areas, we have more than 2,000 applicants. So, if people are not aware of it, how did these people get to know about ad hoc staff engagements.” 

(NAN)