Statisticians in Delta State have been tasked with collecting accurate Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data and administering questionnaires correctly which will guide the government in making informed economic decisions
The commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen made the remarks at a two-day training workshop on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), organized for Statisticians.
According to the commissioner, who was represented at the event by the Director of Statistics in the Ministry of Economic Planning, Ms. Nkechi Maduemezia, Delta State has undertaken significant training initiatives focused on GDP, and the state’s GDP for 2023 was approximately 14.6 trillion naira
Participants were encouraged to stay focused throughout the training, stressing that each session has its own distinct value and takeaway, making every training a worthwhile investment.
Mr Ekedayen urged participants to provide accurate data, highlighting the significance of reliable statistics in shaping the economy.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his commitment to statistics, emphasizing that accurate data is vital for the economy to flourish, while inaccurate data can lead to its downfall.
According to the facilitator, Mr. Bartholomew Ngwee from the National Accounts Department of the National Bureau of Statistics, data will be collected from establishments in Delta State, highlighting the 46 economic activities in Nigeria, ranging from livestock and fishery to crop production and other services.
He added in a nutshell, “the workshop aims to empower statisticians to tackle survey challenges head-on, and by doing so, provide a clearer picture of the state’s economic landscape, making it more attractive to potential investors.”
Mrs. Nkechi Egede, a facilitator from the National Bureau of Statistics, shed light on the survey’s methodology, stating that a triple-threat approach will be used: Top-down, bottom-up, and hybrid. This powerhouse of a survey will uncover the economic activities that are the real ‘Delta’ force behind the state’s economy and provide valuable insights for government policymakers.
Mrs Anthonia Damasus and Mr Egbaroghene, who spoke on behalf of the statisticians, expressed gratitude to the state government for the training, stating that it has helped them gain more knowledge and made field work easier
A key takeaway from the event was the hands-on training on how to identify the right people to administer questionnaires to, how to establish trust with potential respondents, and the best strategies for building trust.
