The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen has emphasized the critical role of statisticians in driving Delta State’s economic growth, stating that every sector relies on data to shape policies and decisions.

Mr. Ekedayen made this assertion at a five-day Training of Enumerators (ToE) on the implementation of state Gross Domestic Products workshop organized by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in collaboration with the ministry of economic planning Asaba.

The commissioner was represented at the event by the Director of Overseas Development, Mrs. Martina Amromanoh.

“We cannot underestimate the importance of data gathering,” the commissioner stated. “Every sector, including agriculture, health, and education, depends on accurate data to inform policies and drive development.”

Ekedayen further highlighted that data collection was not only essential for governance but also for managing households effectively. “As a state, we must recognize that robust data gathering is key to achieving sustainable development,” he added.

The Commissioner also emphasized the importance of continuous training for statisticians, stating, “This workshop is crucial for our professionals to stay updated with the latest global software and technological advancements in data collection.”

In his welcome address, the Statistician-General of the Federation (SGF), Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, underscored the significance of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a key macroeconomic indicator that measures economic growth at both national and sub-national levels. He was represented by Principal Statistician Mrs. Ese Ekorhi.

“The states’ GDP provides valuable insights into economic performance, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions that foster sustainable growth,” he noted, urging the state and critical stakeholders to take ownership of the project.

Similarly, Mrs. Mercy Essien, a state officer from the National Bureau of Statistics, commended Delta State for its extensive experience in compiling state GDP, noting that its efforts in statistical reporting are exemplary.

Earlier, the Director of Statistics, Ms. Nkechi Maduemezie, revealed that Delta State’s statistical records are up to date until 2022, making it the only state in the country to achieve this milestone.

“We have successfully compiled data across 46 components, and our state data is robust and actively in use,” she stated. “This exercise is vital, and we are committed to demonstrating our contribution to the national GDP. Delta will continue to prove that it is one of the states driving Nigeria’s economy.”

The highlight of the event was the technical session, where experts engaged in discussions on data methodologies and statistical innovations.