Christian, Muslim clerics list benefits, rally support for 2023 census

Ahead of the National Population Census in Nigeria, the College of Bishops Imams and Clergy Councils (CBICC), has canvassed support of Nigerians aimed at ensuring hitch-free exercise.

Addressing journalists after the interdenominational prayer rally, which held at the unity fountain, convener of the group, Bishop Abel King harped on the need for successful and credible census as it remains the only way forward for true and reflective development in any society

Listing the benefits derivable from the exercise, the cleric noted: “A credible census is the only way out of the current lack of direction. We need accurate data to plan for the limited resources available at government disposal.

“When government plans on reliable data, it reduces waste and misapplication of resources and thus focusing on specific areas of citizens need. 

“As clergies, it is incumbent on us to take the message to the people; and the message is to open the eyes of our people on the need for citizen participation in the census as a critical exercise for national development. This is why we are here.”

In a similar reaction, Sheik Ibrahim Muktar, who led the Muslim prayer for a successful census, said nothing could be successful without the help of God and this is why we are here.

“We need to pray for the country, pray for the president and the commission because if they succeed with a credible census, the citizens would be the greatest beneficiaries.”

The group particularly commended the management of the National Population Commission under the leadership of Alh Nasir Isa Kwarra for the stability and direction it has brought to bear on the commission, insisting that the management commitment was reflected in the manner the forthcoming census exercise is being professionally coordinated.

“With deployment of state of the art Information Communication Technology, satellite systems, advanced GIS mapping and security infrastructure to compliment manpower, it was almost a given that the 2023 census exercise would be the most credible since, independence.

“We have prayed for success as clergy men, Muslims and Christians, men and women, young and old united on the common good of the country.

We hope that the commission truly lives up to expectations of Nigerians and Mr. President.

“The various groups led by the clergy passed a voice vote of confidence in support of the (2023) Census exercise and pledged wider consultation and advocacy needed for the success of the exercise.”