Uyo- Akwa Ibom Head of Service, Mrs Cecilia Udoessien, has canvassed for the establishment of a Bureau of Statistics, for the enhancement of the practice of the profession in the state.
Udoessien made the call in Uyo on Tuesday during a courtesy visit on her by the state chairman and executive members of the state branch of the Nigerian Statistical Association.
She said that statistics was an essential tool for effective and efficient management of socio-economic and demographic data.
“The establishment of Bureau of Statistics in the state is, therefore, highly important.
“This is because it will further the study and practice of the profession and most importantly, expand the frontiers of its application in the planning and development processes of the state government.
“I thank you, Mr Chairman and your members, for embarking on an intensive public enlightenment campaign to raise public awareness on the importance of statistics in the state,” she said.
The state head of service said that it was proper to allow professional statisticians, planners or research officers to head the Directorates of Planning, Research and Statistics in the state.
She said that such would ensure that Ministries, Departments and Agencies take full benefits of the experience, input and advice of the professionals.
“We shall continue to ensure and encourage members of the association within the service to pursue their career advancement and higher academic attainment.
“This will be through the granting of approvals for interested officers to undergo either study leave with pay or in-service training,” she added.
Earlier, Mr Michael Ukpong, the state chairman of the Nigerian Statistical Association, said that the visit was to educate the state Head of Service on how the service could explore various platforms which statistics offers.
Ukpong also appealed for the establishment of the Bureau of Statistics in the state and the stoppage of the struggle for the headship of Planning, Research and Statistics Directorates by non-statisticians. (NAN)
