... Oborevwori Calls For Creation of Robust National Data Infrastructure
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has underscored the pivotal role of data in steering Nigeria toward sustainable development, advocating for a strong, integrated national data ecosystem to boost economic growth.
Speaking at the 2nd International Conference of the Chartered Institute of Statisticians of Nigeria (CISON) in Asaba on Thursday, represented by Dr. Kingsley Emu, the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Oborevwori described the conference theme, "Big Data and Analytics in Nigeria: Developing a National Data Ecosystem for Enhanced National Prosperity," as timely and visionary.
He commended CISON for fostering dialogue on data’s role in national development, emphasizing that data-driven decision-making is vital for effective policymaking. Oborevwori highlighted his administration’s support for the Central Office of Research and Statistics, which has produced critical reports such as the Delta State Market Calendar 2025, Statistical Yearbook 2024, Road Traffic Survey 2024, GDP Reports for 2021 and 2022, Labour Force Survey 2025, and Poverty Mapping 2025. These have guided policy and resource allocation in Delta State.
"The real value of big data lies not in the volume of numbers but in our ability to turn them into actionable insights that shape policies and drive change," he said. Through data from poverty mapping and the social register, his administration’s Delta Community Action and Resilience (DECARES) program has supported over 300,000 vulnerable households.
Oborevwori called for innovative approaches like big data analytics and machine learning while addressing data governance and privacy challenges. He stressed the need for a robust national data infrastructure to fuel economic progress.
In a goodwill message, Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, represented by Mr. Matthew Ng, hailed big data analytics as a transformative tool for education, enabling optimized resource allocation and personalized learning amid global challenges.
Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sunny Ekedayan, lauded CISON for choosing Delta as the conference host, emphasizing data’s growing role in shaping national destinies. CISON President Dr. Ebuh Godday urged Nigeria to leverage big data for informed policymaking, calling the conference timely.
Other speakers included the Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Deputy Governor for Economic Policy, represented by Dr. Usman Okpanachi.
The event’s highlight was the presentation of a plaque to Governor Oborevwori and his decoration with CISON paraphernalia for his support of the institute and statistical development.
