Improved data collection, analysis key to nation’s devt. – Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says improved data collection and analysis is key to national development, especially in guiding government' decisions.Shettima stated this on Thursday at the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day, organised by the National Population Commission (NPC) , at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.The vice-president also underscored the importance of deployment of technology to generate comprehensive and inclusive data in strengthening systems and institutions.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the theme of the 2024 world population day is 'Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All'.Shettima said 'Data is life. Data is our evidence. Data is our performance.'It is the most realistic picture of situations, trends, and patterns; it tells us how many we are, with an understanding of the age structure, sex structure, location, and more.'Data is the true story of our experiences and informs us about today and the future throu gh scientific projections, forecasting, and analysis.He added: 'Despite our last census taking place about 18 years ago, Nigeria has never relegated the importance of data.' This is why the theme of the Day, invites us to recommit to improving our data collection, analysis, and deployment of modern technology.' This will generate more comprehensive and inclusive evidence to guide government decisions, investment options, and development paths.'The vice-president noted that inclusive data had been one of the major challenges to governance in Nigeria for decades.He reassured that with President Bola Tinubu in the saddle, Nigerians now have a leader who 'is not only a man of numbers, as a first-rate accountant, but also recognises them as critical components in the nation's development drive.'Earlier, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, urged partners at the event to leverage scientific evidence to resolve the myriads of challenges confronting the various segments of the world's population.She also disclosed plans by the Federal Government to build a youth data bank that would be dedicated to harnessing the potentials of young people for national development regardless of their location and status. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)Source: News Agency of Nigeria