…Applauds Media, CSOs’ Roles On interpretation, dissemination
The Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, has applauded the critical roles of media in reliable national statistics production.
He noted that role of media in the production of national statistics is multifaceted and crucial in several aspects, adding that the media serve as both facilitators and disseminators, influencing the way statistical information is collected, interpreted, and communicated to the public.
Prince Adeniran spoke on Friday while declaring open a two-day 2024 Retreat organized by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for Journalists and Civil Society Organisations, in Keffi, Nasarawa state.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), who was represented by the Director of Agriculture and Business statistics department, Mr. Biyi Fafunmi, articulated the roles of the media in the national statistics production process including: Raising Awareness and Understanding, Promoting Participation, Facilitating Communication, Clarity and interpretation, Oversight and Accountability Investigative Journalism, Challenge and Critique, Promoting Data Literacy Building Skills, Spotlighting Statistical Methods, Enhancing Policy Dialogue Informing Policy Debates, and Cross-Platform Initiatives Collaboration with Statistical Agencies; among other roles.
According to him, “Media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) help in enlightening the public about the importance of national statistics, particularly regarding socio-economic data collection through surveys and censuses and the final reports of the exercises.
“By highlighting the significance of participation in national surveys and data-gathering initiatives, the media and the CSOs can encourage broader public involvement, which is essential for the reliability and validity of statistical data.
“Media and civil society play a crucial role in disseminating statistical findings from government agencies, ensuring that data is made accessible to citizens, policymakers, researchers and other stakeholders in any statistical system.
“By critically analysing national data and government reports, media can encourage improvements in methods of data production and reporting thereby fostering a culture of transparency and accuracy in the data production processes.”
He assured continued collaboration of NBS with the Media and CSOs for enhanced efficiency in reliable data production and usage for socioeconomic development of Nigeria.
Earlier in a welcome address, the NBS Director of Communication and Public Relations, Mr. Ichedi J. Sunday,
explained that the objective of the retreat is to equip journalists and civil society organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively communicate statistics to the public.
According to the Director, “We recognize that the media and civil society play a critical role in shaping public discourse and holding institutions accountable.
“We believe that accurate and informed reporting of statistics is essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making in Nigeria.
“By working together, we can ensure that statistical information is presented in a clear, concise, and unbiased manner, avoiding misinformation and promoting public understanding.”
Papers presented include: Trends in development journalism, Methodology for generating Labour force statistics in NBS, GDP Rebasing update, Compilation of Trade statistics, CPI Rebasing Update, and A critical appraisal of statistical reporting and data interpretation by Journalists.
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