Business
‘Household Data, Imperative For Vision 20:2020 Success’
Mr Yemi Kale, the Statistician-General of the Federation, says household survey results will help the country in achieving the vision 20:2020 objective.
Kale made the statement in Abuja last Thursday at the Data Launch of the General Household Panel Survey, organised by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and World Bank.
“Today’s data launch of our first wave of the General Household Panel Survey is another demonstration of the current administration to transform the country.
“It is also the administration’s resolve to inform and involve all Nigerians in the long term decisions that affect their lives regardless of age, gender and ethnic backgrounds, religions and political affiliations, academic and intellectual pursuits,” he said.
The statistician-general said the survey was imperative as it would help policy and decision making within the government and the community to improve the welfare of the households in areas of health, nutrition and education.
He said NBS in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture planned to conduct a National Agriculture Sample Survey that would provide evidence of the impact of past policies and interventions in the sector.
He said he was interested in the launch of Computer Assisted Personal Interview Application devices for data capture.
Kale expressed the hope that the gradual use of electronic data capture technologies in efficient ways would increase the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of data produced.
In his speech, Dr Badru Haq, the Acting Director, World Bank, said global research by the bank had shown that better access to health, education, nutrition and education of mothers supported faster economic mobility.
Haq said “the survey results being launched in Nigeria will provide specific information for the country as it reveals what economic activities help households move out of poverty.
“It also reveals how households react to government policies and programmes, how government safety nets protect people when they suffer economic shocks and how the agricultural sector contributes to household welfare.”
Haq said once the survey data was available and analysed, it would be of tremendous value to policy makers, researchers and other stakeholders to design, test and evaluate social and economic policies.
“The survey is of particular relevance now in Nigeria given its Agricultural Transformation Agenda.
“Government of Nigeria will be able to use the data to understand the key factors that serve as bottlenecks to development in the country and those policies and programmes that best increase household welfare.
“This will be critical information for policy makers for planning and programme design,” he said.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
