Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode yesterday canvassed statistical systems for data collection revolution and inclusive development in the state and across the nation.
The governor spoke in Lagos at this year’s International Statistical Conference, organised by the Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA).
Ambode, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Obafela Bank-Olemoh, noted that accurate statistical data is the foundation for good planning.
He said: “Lack of adequate and reliable statistics has been the bane of planning in the state. We tend to place greater reliance on statistics generated by credible international organisations and agencies.”
The governor urged professional statisticians to ensure continuous review of tools and processes for data gathering so that the data generated is credible and reflects true state of affairs.
He said: “To achieve complete data revolution, there is need for improvement and further development of statistics derived from administrative records, particularly in civic registration.”
Ambode said the conference would redefine strategies for improving statistical data production, usage and discrimination.
The governor said his administration would provide statistical infrastructure and funding to ensure that reliable, acceptable and right statistics are provided in good quality and in a timely manner to enable the government take actions to give dividends of democracy to the people.
NSA President Prof Sidney Onyeagu said the conference would create a forum for the exchange of best practices among the participating national statistical offices, institutions, academicians, professionals and other stakeholders from Nigeria and abroad.
The keynote lecturer, Mr Michel Mouyelo,
In his lecture, titled: How Useful Are Our Statistics to Government At All Levels and The Ordinary Citizens? the keynote lecturer, Mr Michel Mouyelo, urged governments to come up with a data policy and strategy by which institutions, individuals and communities would be engaged.
He said: “A nation that is wealthy is not one that is rich in oil or natural resources but one that keeps data.”
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