In a revealing symposium, the Coordinator of the University of Ibadan Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (UI-LISA), Professor Eliza Olubusoye, proclaimed that data scientists are the architects of the global realm.
Unveiling the power of data and statistics at the ongoing Biannual Meeting of the National Consultative Committee on Statistics in Ibadan, the Professor of the Department of Statistics in the University of Ibadan, maintained that data had become important in influence and control, shaping economies and driving the destiny of the nation.
According to Olubusayo: “We are now in a world that is ruled by two groups; the digital group and the data group. I always tell people that whosoever is not present in the digital group has not lost anything; but anyone that’s not in the data space has lost everything.
“Those in the data space, like we, that are present here, ideally, are the ones who control others. Those who keep data, who monitor data, are the ones driving the world.”
Professor Olubusoye further highlighted the indispensable role of statisticians, analysts, and data scientists as the architects of socio-evolution. He explained that the importance of the National Consultative Committee on Statistics in shaping the sub-national level, and ensuring its development cannot be underestimated.
“The functions of this committee, as clearly stated in the Statistics Act 2007, includes the examination of the statistical programs of various agencies annually, in order to achieve data coordination and avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts that involve the statistical program.
“Additionally, we are to develop strategies, involving the establishment and implementation of a set of standards, guidance and protocols for statistical data collection, analysis and reporting.
“It is essential that statistical activities at the sub-national level should be in alignment with the National Objectives.
Present at the occasion, which held at Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, M.K.O. Abiola Way, Ibadan, include the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, Statistician General of the Federation and C.E.O of National Bureau of Statistics, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, the Oyo State Statistician General, Prince Adekunle Ajuwon, Chairman for the State Statistician General Forum, also the Plateau State Statistician General, Micah Gongden.
In his speech, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, acknowledged the importance of data and statistics, and reiterated that the projects carried out under the incumbent administration in Oyo State has always implemented analysis of data.
He said: “Oyo State government recognizes that statistical information is very essential to achieving the 2040 State Development Plan (SDP) and 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is a realization of this fact that the government took positive steps by demanding project and programs using data, science and statistics.”
