NPC trains Jigawa journalists on effective reporting of Census

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

The National Population Commission (NPC), has embarked on capacity building workshop of Jigawa journalists on effective reporting of 2023 population and housing census.

Speaking during the flaggingoff of the capacity building, the state commissioner NPC Jigawa state, Alhaji Garba AD Zakar said, about 786,741 personnel are to work in the forthoming

2023 census.

According to Umar Jingino those trained are; 623,797 enumerators, 125,994 Supervisors, 24,001 Data Quality Assistants, while 12,000 are Field Coordinators.

He said others are; 1,000 Data Quality Managers, 1,639 Training Centre Administrators and 59,000 LGA level facilitators.

He explained that adequate training of personnel to work in the fourth coming headcount census is a key preparatory activity for the exercise, while the quality of the data depends on the competence and skill of the personnel engaged.

Also speaking, the HOD said that, the training which is organized in stages commenced with the training of Census Specialized Workforce (CSW) and facilitators who will in return train enumerators, supervisors, field supervisors,data Quality assistants and data quality managers.

As a counter reply to exKano state Labor Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate, Engr. Bashir Ishaq, the Jigawa state chapter of Labour Party (LP) said, the party is stronger then ever in the state. This was contained in a statement signed by the Labour Party governorship candidate, Alhaji Aminu Abdul'aziz Yahaya and made available to news men in Dutse.

“It has come to our notice that the Labour Party gubernatorial candidate of Kano state, Engr. Bashir Ishaq who recently defected to the ruling all progressive Party (APC) that his defection is with the entire structures of the party in the Northwest Zone".

The statement maintained that "This is not true and his defection to APC has strengthen the Labour Party in the entire North West, more especially, here in Jigawa State.

"The Jigawa State Labour Party leadership structures and candidates remain intact, with all Obidient supporters across the 27 local government areas and will deliver her mandate for ObiDatti towards victory".

Lawyer seeks protection for journalists during election

Alegal practitioner, Mr Daniel Agada, on Wednesday in Abuja called for adequate protection for journalists covering the 2023 general election,

Agada made the call in Abuja on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“Journalists put their lives in danger to report the news as it is for the public good only to be made to face harassment, intimidation, and sometimes physical attack.

“Their impartial account and accurate reportage serve a fundamental public good which can have decisive impact on the development of the nation.

“In view of the fact that they their roles cannot be overemphasised, there’s the need to ensure that they protected while performing their duties.

“This need is further heightened by the insecurity challenges in some parts of the country.

“The government needs to put measures in place to ensure that journalists are adequately protected while performing their duties including the coverage of elections,” he said.

Agada also said that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution As Amended, provides for the rights to freedom of expression of the press.

“Section 22 , the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people,” he said.

The lawyer called on employers of journalists to play a pivotal role in ensuring that journalists are adequately protected while performing their duties.

“The employers of these journalists benefit greatly from the work journalists do,” he said.

Agada also advised the journalists to be vigilant and in case of any violence, they should protect themselves”.

(NAN)