Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has urged statisticians to embrace innovative techniques like big data analytics and machine learning and to address the challenges of data governance and privacy in an increasingly digital world.
The Governor said during the 2nd International Conference of the Chartered Institute of Statisticians of Nigeria, CISON, hosted by Delta State in Asaba, the state Capital on Thursday.
Represented by the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, the Governor emphasized the critical role of data in shaping Nigeria’s development trajectory, highlighting the importance of a robust and integrated national data ecosystem in driving economic growth and development.
He stated that the theme of the conference, “Big Data and Analytics in Nigeria: Developing a National Data Ecosystem for Enhanced National Prosperity,” was apt, timely and forward-looking.
Governor Oborevwori, declaring the occasion open, stressed that data-driven decision-making was essential for policymakers and stakeholders.
“I congratulate the Institute for sustaining this important platform for dialogue on the role of data and analytics in shaping Nigerians development trajectory” he said.
He noted that his administration relied on data for planning and development, and had always supported the Central Office of Research and Statistics with funds to undertake and publish several statistical surveys.
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described “Big Data Analytics” as a game-changer for education.
Represented by Mr N. Matthew, he emphasized the significance of big data analytics in education, describing it as a transformative tool to unlock prosperity.
“In the face of economic challenges and global uncertainties, harnessing statistical methodologies can inform policies, optimize resource allocation, and personalize learning experiences.” he said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the President, Chartered Institute of Statisticians of Nigeria (CISON), Dr Ebuh Godday, stressed the need for Nigeria to harness big data to inform policy decisions and drive national development, describing the time of the conference as both timely and visionary.
Others who spoke include the Statistician-General of the Federation, and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, as well as the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Economic Policy, who was represented by the Director of Statistics, Dr. Usman Okpanachi.
Statisticians should embrace innovative techniques – Gov Oborevwori