LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State government and its development partners have canvassed for an all-encompassing data collection that would ensure equity and resilience for sustainable development and population growth.
This was made at a forum organized by Lagos Bureau of Statistics under the aegis of the Ministry of Economic Planning and budget to mark the Year 2024 World Population Day themed: “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All” at the Lagos Chambers of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), CBD-Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
World Population Day is celebrated every 11 July annually by the United Nations and according to its Secretary General, António Guterres: investing in data collection is important to understanding problems, tailoring solutions, and driving progress.
The forum, which had NPC – National Population Commission, UNFPA, UNICEF, LACSOP – Lagos State Civil Society Partnership and Academicians in attendance shared the same view that collection of data should show inclusiveness, fairness and capacity to navigate tough times.
In his welcome charge, Mr. Emmanuel Olajide, the Coordinating Director of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget stated, “In a world where data drives decision-making, it is crucial that we prioritize inclusivity to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
“Lets us unlock the power of inclusive data to break down barriers, challenge biases, inform data-driven policy decisions, drive innovation and entrepreneurship and also foster global collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
“For a greener, cleaner world, let’s manage our numbers wisely. Empower women, empower communities, the key to sustainable population growth.”
After his presentation, taking the forum through processes and steps to guide in collection and gathering of data for development sustainability, Dr. Omolaso Omosehin, a retired Head of Lagos Liaison Office, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said “In charting a way forward for an inclusive development, we must carefully plan and execute data collection and analysis, to provide needed information for even development, fairness to all, building skills and pre-positioning resources for resilience.
He added, “As we accelerate processes and interventions for the achievement of the SDGs by or before 2030, let us make sure that no one is left behind.”
The State Director of the National Population Commission (NPC) in Lagos, Mr. Bamidele Sadiku underlined the readiness of the Commission to carry out a census in the nation to possess data for sustainable development, stating that demonstration exercises had been carried out in some parts of the country just as he assured that every institution would be enumerated.
He stressed that plans are already in top gear with the aid of technological devices in ensuring every area and persons are captured.
His words, “For inclusiveness, the census will consider everybody. It will take place in regular households, institutional households (hospitals, prison yards, hotels).
“Special Population, people who are transient, moving in or out of Nigeria will be counted as a result of their flight being cancelled due to census at that point in time as the Airport will be an enumeration Area. Market places, Motor parks will also be counted and even spots where there are homeless persons,” he said.
Representative of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria, Josephine Ekhator said the agency supports the Lagos government in embracing the power of inclusive data especially as it is needed for informed decision-making, policies, programs, projects and budget that promotes inclusivity and equity.
