NAN to partner NPopC on 2018 census
NAN-HG-2
Partnership
By Yashim Katurak
Abuja, July 4, 2017 (NAN) Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), says the agency will partner the National Population Commission (NPopC) in carrying out effective coverage of activities of the proposed 2018 census.
Onanuga said this when the NPopC Chairman, Mr Eze Duruiheoma, visited him at the NAN Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
The managing director said the agency would use its local and national reach to effectively cover the activities of the commission at the national, state and grassroots level.
Onanuga said the agency had a wide national coverage of news with offices in all the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory and no fewer than 22 district offices across the country.
He said the agency would use this capacity to effectively cover the activities of the commission including preparatory activities leading to the census.
“The agency has been working with the commission’s local and international collaborating agencies and so we are familiar with the kind of activities and duties carried out by the commission.
“We are ready at all times to partner with you at the national, state and grassroots level; NAN is always on board to work with you in covering preparations for the census, the census itself and other activities.
“No other agency has the kind of reach that NAN has with over 500 reporters spread across all states and local government areas of the country,” Onanuga said.
However, the managing director urged NPopC to conduct a credible and acceptable census free of politics for national development purposes.
Earlier, the NPC chairman solicited for support from all and pledged to conduct a credible and acceptable national headcount.
Duruiheoma commended the efforts of Onanuga in heading the only news agency in Nigeria with the numerous challenges that abound in holding such office.
He also lauded staff of the agency for supporting the managing director to succeed in his task, noting that one cannot succeed without the support of the people.
He said that he has always followed the activities of the agency since its inception and appreciated the growth it has experienced so far.
Duruiheoma urged Onanuga to scale up the good work. (NAN)
KRY/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola