Nat’l Bureau of statistics, UNICEF, C’River govt. flag-off S-south multiple indicator Cluster Survey

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

The National Bureau of statistics in collaboration with UNICEF and Cross river State Government yesterday flagged off the South South region of the 7th round of multiple indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 7) in Calabar the cross river state Capital 

In his keynote address, the Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem was full of welcome and appreciated NBS and UNICEF for choosing Calabar for the event.

He said,” It is my privilege to welcome you all to Cross River State for this important national event, the official flag-off of the 7th Round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS-7) for the South-South region, with the theme: Data for Progress” 

 Ayambem said, “Data for Progress,” speaks directly to the realities of our time. stating that the theme should not be a slogan, but rather must be demonstrated through facts, figures, trends, and measurable outcomes.

He stressed further that for those in government, the path to sustainable development must begin with accurate data, because data tells where we are, where the gaps lie, and what must be done to move the people forward.

Ayambem,. also emphasized that MICS-7 is  not just another survey, but a powerful tool that will help us understand the true conditions of women, children, and households across our communities..

He assured of  providing essential insights on health, nutrition, education, child protection, WASH, and other indicators that will shape human development. 

“Data must lead decision-making, and this Assembly stands firmly behind that principle. I am committed to promoting the use of MICS-7 amongst my colleagues in the South-South zone”.

“Today’s flag-off is more than a ceremony. It is a reaffirmation that development must be rooted in truth, and truth measured by data”. 

“When we know the facts, we can solve problems. When we understand the gaps, we can close them. When we track progress, we can accelerate it”, he stated.

In his address, the Statistician-General of the federation Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, who was represented by Mustapha Daramola said the event was a share recognition of the vital importance of data production activities.

“A land mark moment in Nigeria’s quest for high-quality, timely and policy relevant data that speaks directly to the most vulnerable in the society 

He disclosed that MICS is a government owned and NBS led flagship household survey, which is globally recognized and coordinated internationally by UNICEF. 

He said since it first implementation in 1995, MICS has continued to grow in scope, ambition and technical sophistication, making it the most reliable household survey platform 

Adeniran added that MICS goes beyond data, but also shapes policy planning and outcomes, informing where schools are needed and how to strengthen immunization

In her remarks, UNICEF Chief of field, Enugu Field office, Juliet Chiluwe who was represented by Mrs Maureen Zubie-Okolo commended the National Bureau of Statistics and their states counterpart for their strong leadership and commitment to the seventh round of MICS a survey series that has informed child centered decision making in Nigeria since 1995

 She maintained that MICS remains the country’s most comprehensive and reliable household survey on Children to monitor human capital development, child right, and progress towards development goals.

She assured that UNICEF will continue to provide financial and technical support to the government of Nigeria throughout the MICS 7 process.