We need each other to function effectively and successfully- NBS SG tells Journalists/ CSOs
Oru Leonard
The Statistician-General (SG), of the Federation and CEO of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Prince Adeyemi Adeniran has said that the Bureau, Media and Civil Society Organisations need each to function effectively and successfully. ‘So, just like the Siamese twins, we are all joined together at the hip.’
Prince Adeniran stated this in his opening remarks during a retreat for Journalists and CSOs held on 5th and 6th October, 2022 at Keffi in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
The SG noted that statistical system produces the official statistics and data used by the media and civil societies in updating the public on the activities and policies of government, and for campaigning for change in the society.
“While the statistical system heavily relies on the media and its platforms to spread its output and products to users, which they require for their day-to-day work. Information is everywhere. Citizens are inundated with it, and sorting through the sheer volume of information (let alone identifying quality information) on any given topic can be overwhelming” he explained.
F DDRThe SG said understanding all the stages involved in data production processes; which includes having a good knowledge of the design, collection, analysis, and dissemination stages employed by the NBS or the statistical system in the course of data production, understanding the meaning of concept of these indicators, how to interpret the changes in each of them, and what exactly those changes mean for the average person on the street; regular, open and honest engagement with the media and civil society organisations in passing information to the public and campaigning on public issues; and
trust in Government and the Media
He charged participants to come up with specific plans and methods on building public trust and confidence in official statistics and government figures, so that the policies of government have a better chance of making an impact
Earlier, the Director of Communication and Public Relations, Mr Sunday Ichedi said the retreat was to bring journalists and Civil Society Organizations, the management of the Bureau and experts together to discuss issues arising from statistical reporting in Nigeria with the aim of avoiding mistakes in the reporting of Statistical data covering all facets of Nigeria’s development to the public.
“This is important given the fact that Statistics is used by both private and public sectors and individuals in decision making. For a credible decision, the information disseminated in the form of data to the general public must be accurate to achieve data guided policy, planning and implementation for national development.” He noted.
