A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the coordination of The Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) have agreed to set up a committee to search for eminent and credible Nigerians who will volunteer to serve as torchbearers in sensitising Nigerians on the need to actively participate in the forthcoming National Population and Housing Census.
Addressing newsmen after the Coalition’s inaugural meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja, the spokesman for the Coalition, Joshua Gwebe who doubles as the Executive Secretary of organization informed the expectant members of the press community that the inter-agency advocacy strategy is all about sensitisation considering the importance of the census exercise to national development.
According to him, “as CSOs, our job is unique and straightforward. We are known advocate for the masses, especially the voiceless. It is our duty, albeit a difficult one to constructively criticise, commend and change policy directions for the good of Nigerians. Today, we are once again agreeing with one voice that we shall work together to support the federal government because of the overwhelming importance of census to our national life”
Comrade Gwebe similarly shed light on the composition of CSO/interagency Advocacy Committee which will be the vehicle to drive the massive sensitisation exercise throughout the country, adding that a country wide sensitisation campaign cannot be successful without a formidable team.
“We intend to draw from a resourceful a pool of (35) eminent elder statesmen (former Senate presidents, Professor emeritus, religious leaders, eminent musical artists, sports men, eminent media practitioners, student union leaders, labour leaders. This committee is intended to serve as a bridge between the masses in all spheres of life and professions with far reaching impacts.
“The elders statesmen will work on honorary basis without payment as a mark of national service” he stated. Already consultations are ongoing and the result are very impressive. The outlook is good and we are positive that our efforts will yield results”.
The coalition finally enjoined the media to avail them their respective platforms for the promotion of the committee’s sensitisation efforts. In addition, the group called on all Nigerians to massively support the census exercise by participating and encouraging other to participate and support the NPC in any capacity possible.
