Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the need for improved data collection, analysis and deployment of technology to generate more comprehensive and inclusive evidence to guide government decisions, investment choices, and pathway to development.
He said deploying the best technology to strengthen data systems and institutions, upgrading human resources and capacities, and promoting partnerships that will facilitate generation and using inclusive data will guarantee a resilient and equitable future for all Nigerians.
Senator Shettima spoke during the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, he observed that this year’s theme which recognizes the power of data and emphasizes the promises of inclusive data is instructive.
He 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 through scientific projections, forecasting, and analysis.
He stated that inclusive data had been one of the major challenges to governance in Nigeria for decades, the VP reassured however that with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the saddle, Nigerians now have a leader who “is not only a man of numbers, as a first-rate accountant, but also recognizes” them as critical components in the nation’s development drive.
Senator Shettima also disclosed that a Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters worth N110 billion is in the offing.
This, is in addition to a Youth Data Bank and a National Youth Development Bank, as well as the already existing N110 billion Youth Investment Fund.
