REPORTER: EMEFIENA OKONKWO
The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has encouraged governments to strengthen its coordination with it on data based information of the critical sectors,particularly as it affects women and children.
The Chief, United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF Field Office Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe stated this during the Zonal Flag-Off of the 7th Round of Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey(MICS7), held in Enugu.
Mrs Chiluwe noted that MICS7 survey which has the inputs of UNICEF technocrats and experts, as well as input of experts from government and other critical Overseas Development Partners would guide government as well as UNICEF and other partners on policy and programme formulation and implementation.
In a keynote message, the General Director, National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, Mr Semiu Adeyemi Adeniran, also stressed the critical roles well researched and documented data plays in national development.
He expressed his belief, that MICS7 would be the compass,guiding the government on policies and the activities in Ministries, Departments and Agencies,MDA.
Earlier, in another keynote address, the Enugu State Governor represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia noted that data plays pivotal role in guiding government on sectors that needed more attention and what budgetary allocations.
The Enugu State government reaffirmed it’s commitment to sustained cooperation with UNICEF for the well-being of the people, especially women and children.
