The National Population Commission (NPC) has inaugurated security, logistics and publicity committees in Plateau ahead of the 2023 national population and housing census.

NPC federal commissioner in the state, Cecilia Dapoet, said during the inauguration in Jos on Monday that the committees were set up to programme and control information flow for public awareness and ensure security for even distribution of men and materials needed for the census.

According to her, the 19-member committee on census publicity can mobilise citizens for the all-important national project.

“Similarly, the 17-man committee on security and logistics consists of professionals in relevant fields, whose role is significant to the success of the census,” she said.

Ms Dapoet said the 2023 census should represent a sense of renewed hope for the people of the state and provide an opportunity to correct the errors of the past that were greeted with protests following the outcome of the 2006 census that claimed the state was undercounted.

She appealed to stakeholders to contribute their quota in ensuring every person was counted, promising that the NPC in Plateau would organise a credible census.

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau, while inaugurating the committees, charged members to be committed to discharging their duties and ensuring smooth and successful exercise.

Mr Lalong, represented by the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Danladi Atu, said the census had many advantages, such as providing clear demographic and socio-economic data of the people, thereby helping in planning and decision making.

He added that the committees were saddled with carrying out public enlightenment and soliciting support for the census and its processes.

Others are: mobilising resources and materials, promoting institutional collaboration and implementing effective publicity strategies for the census.

“The Security and Logistics Committee will help in maintaining public peace and order around census activities and personnel.

“It will also help in securing National Population Commission offices, vehicles and equipment, among others,” he said.

The chairman of the publicity committee, Dan Manjang, in an acceptance speech, promised to work dutifully for the success of the census.

The census will be held from May 3 to 7.

(NAN)