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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has underscored the pivotal role of data in driving Nigeria’s development agenda, calling for the establishment of a robust and integrated national data ecosystem to enhance economic growth and national prosperity.

Speaking at the opening of the 2nd International Conference of the Chartered Institute of Statisticians of Nigeria (CISON), hosted in Asaba on Thursday, the Governor emphasized that data-driven decision-making was indispensable for effective governance. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu.

The conference, themed “Big Data and Analytics in Nigeria: Developing a National Data Ecosystem for Enhanced National Prosperity”, was described by Oborevwori as apt, timely, and forward-looking. He congratulated CISON for sustaining the platform for national dialogue on the strategic role of data and analytics in shaping Nigeria’s future.

“My administration in the last one year has supported the Central Office of Research and Statistics with funds to undertake and publish several statistical surveys, including but not limited to Delta State Market Calendar 2025, Delta State Statistical Yearbook 2024, Delta State Road Traffic Survey 2024, Delta State GDP 2021 and 2022, Delta State Labour Force Survey 2025, Delta State Poverty Mapping 2025, and Delta State 2023 and 2024 GDP,” the Governor revealed.

Oborevwori noted that beyond the sheer collection of figures, the true value of data lies in transforming numbers into actionable knowledge that can shape policies, inform planning, and drive change. He pointed to his administration’s interventions through the Delta Community Action and Resilience (DECARES) programme, which has used data from poverty mapping and social registers to support over 300,000 poor and vulnerable households across the state.

“Indeed, as we transit into an era where knowledge, information, and technology drive economic growth, the imperative of a robust and integrated national data ecosystem cannot be overemphasized,” he said. The Governor further urged statisticians to embrace big data analytics, machine learning, and innovative techniques while addressing pressing concerns of data governance and privacy in a digital-driven world.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, who was represented by Mr. Matthew Ng, described big data analytics as a “game-changer” for education, stressing its potential to optimize resources, personalize learning, and unlock prosperity even in the face of global economic uncertainties.

Delta State’s Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sunny Ekedayan, also commended CISON for selecting the state to host the conference, describing the gathering as proof of the growing importance of statistics in a knowledge-driven society.

In his welcome address, CISON President, Dr. Ebuh Godday, highlighted the urgency of leveraging big data to drive national development, calling the conference both timely and visionary.

The Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, and the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Economic Policy), represented by Dr. Usman Okpanachi, also lent their voices on the importance of building a strong data culture to shape Nigeria’s economic destiny.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of a plaque to Governor Oborevwori, alongside his decoration with CISON paraphernalia, in recognition of his consistent support for statistics and the advancement of the Chartered Institute of Statisticians of Nigeria.

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