Osun gov tasks stakeholders on strong data generation for development, good governance
By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has tasked stakeholders in the Local Governments of the State on the importance of using reliable data for development and good governance.
This call was made during the first phase of the training of Local Government stakeholders: Heads of Local Government Administration, Directors of Social Welfare, Water and Environment Sanitization, Budget Planning, Research and Statistics, Public Health Care, and others on System Approach to improving data generation and application for effective policy formulation.
The program which has the objective of strengthening the State Statistical System through harmonious relationships between data producers and users at the local government level also targets the need to mainstream the 5-point Development Agenda of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration into the programmes and projects to be captured in the year 2024 Budget.
This charge was given by Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke in Osogbo while declaring open the 4-day Stakeholders Training Workshop on ‘System Approach To Improving Data Generation, Management And Application For Effective Policy Formulation And Good Governance’, organized by the State Bureau of Statistics in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics.
The Governor, who was represented by the State Head of Service, Mr. Ayanleye Aina, asserted that reliable and dependable data is the bedrock of development of any nation of the world, adding that the difference between developed and undeveloped nations is a function of the quality and quantity of data available for policy and decision making.
While addressing the participants, drawn from 69 Councils in the State, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development, Prof. Maroof Adeleke commended the Governor for approving the Workshop, he maintained that data forms the cornerstone upon which policies and programmes of government are planned, and harped on the importance of data in today’s rapidly evolving world, where challenges emerge at an unprecedented pace.
He stated that the government of Governor Ademola Adeleke is ready to equip stakeholders with necessary tools and knowledge needed to statistically place the state on good rating with the National Bureau of Statistics, and he reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to always support initiatives that will enhance data collection, production and management.
In his keynote address, the Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, who was represented by Mr. Biyi Fafunmi, acknowledged the increasing efforts of the Osun State Bureau of Statistics in repositioning the statistical architecture in Osun Osun.
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While stressing that data makes it easy for governments to allocate resources and evaluate its activities, he emphasized the use of technology in data generation, noting that it makes it more reliable, timely and trusted. He charged the participants to be committed in generating robust data that will help in moving Osun State forward.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Statistician-General, Mr. Abiodun Ijidele stressed on the need to improve on generating quality and reliable data both at the local and state government levels, pointing to the fact that Osun is blessed with the required human resources that can move the State forward.
He added that with reliable and dependable Data, the State will attract donor supports and investors, while he cited Kaduna State state as a model in the subnational level that uses data to promote her developmental agenda.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the PS, Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget and Development, Mrs Yetunde Esan who was represented by Director SDG, Mr. Folorunso Tomori, Mr. Innocent Tochukwu from Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics, and Mr. Wakili Ibrahim, who all pointed out the usage of qualitative and quantitative data for development planning.
Other speakers with good will messages include the Permanent Secretary Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Femi Ogundun, who was represented by Mr. Tajudeen Adelabu as well as the Chairman of Forum of Heads of Local Government Administration, Dr. Adewale Adedapo.
They opined that statistical data is an important tool to take the state and country at large to great height, stressed that data are facts and can guide Osun state in the right path.
Highlight of the four days program was the adoption of the communique drafted from the technical sessions led by resource persons which include: Professor Phillips Akanni Olomola and Professor Bola Solanke of Obafemi Awolowo University, Mr Biyi Fafunmi and Mr Ibrahim Wakili of the National Bureau of Statistics, and Mr Innocent Tochukwu of Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Economic Planning Budget and Development Mrs Yetunde Esan, and Auditor-General for Local Governments Mr Emmanuel Kolapo.