Delta State Government Commits to Revamping Research and Statistics Office for Enhanced Performance
By Ese Obote-Ogwu
ASABA/Nigeria: The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, has reaffirmed the Delta State government’s commitment to revamp the central office of Research and Statistics. This move aims to enhance its proactive nature, drive performance, and ensure it is well-structured and flexible.
Speaking at a two-day training/validation exercise on the Delta State Statistical Year Book (SYB) 2024, organized by the Ministry of Economic Planning, Mr. Ekedayen emphasized the critical role of quality data in statistical production. He stressed that it should be a top priority in any project, highlighting the importance of updating skills and understanding the challenges associated with the massive data requirement for driving the state government’s M.O.R.E agenda.
Represented by the Director of Budget in the Ministry, Mr. Thomson Olije, the Commissioner urged participants to be serious and interactive during the sessions. He commended the statisticians, noting, “It is on record that your contributions were largely responsible for the success of several editions of the SYB in the history of our dear state and immense growth and development. I am encouraged by the success stories.”
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Director of Statistics in the Ministry of Economic Planning, Ms. Nkechi Maduemezie, explained that the SYB is a compendium of statistical activities by main Ministries, Departments, and Agencies within the public service, including prisons, fire service, and the police.
The highlight of the occasion was the technical session, where an overview of the statistical Yearbook was provided, and the validation of data collected from the 16 sectors of the statistical yearbook was reviewed. The technical sessions featured two keynote speakers, Mr. Martin Nwanze and Mr. Joe Odohgbi, both retired Directors of Statistics in the ministry.
