By Pere Botu
The Delta State Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro has said that reliable data is key to national planning and development in the country.
Deacon Otuaro stated this today when he received top management of the National Identification Management Commission NIMC led by the State Coordinator,Mrs Henrietta Uche Okolo who paid him a courtesy as part of the global celebration of the National Identity Day.
The Deputy Governor said reliable data was necessary for adequate planning and development hence the challenge solely rest on the shoulders of the National Identity Management Commission not to fail in that regard.
Deacon Otuaro noted that without appropriate data planning and development at the federal and state levels would be haphazard which would pose a great challenge to national growth and development.
He said government relies on reliable data to plan for the people stressing that so much was expected from the National Identity Management Commission hence the need for the Commission to achieve it core mandate.
While assuring the NIMC officials of the state government’s support and partnership Deacon observed that the imperatives for data coordination for national planning and development cannot be overemphasised.
The Deputy Governor said the state government takes cognizance of the fact that without reliable data there would be no meaningful development hence the need to generate proper and reliable adding that the Delta State Health Contributory Scheme was a success story due to adequate data and planning .
He congratulated the Commission on the celebration of the National Identity Day saying that it would create awareness and urged Deltans to enroll in order for them to have their national identity number .
The State Coordinator,National Identity Management Commission, NIMC,Mrs Henrietta Uche Okolo said the national identity day is celebrated every September 16 to create awareness on the importance of identification which is key to planning and development.
She disclosed that only forty two million Nigerians have enrolled into the scheme noting that the Commission was established by Act 23 of 2007 with the mandate to manage data and articulate data from other agencies which can be relied upon for planning and development.
Mrs Okolo said the theme for this year’s celebration was “Identity for Health:Sustainable Development and Goal” adding that the national identity number would enable citizens access some services and was for age zero old age noting that registration was free.
She commended the state government for the contributory health scheme saying that with reliable data government can plan and achieve more for the people.
The State Commissioners for Information,Mr Charles Aniagwu,Special Duties Government House,Chief Henry Sakpra and the Deputy Chief of Staff,Government House,Engineer Jude Sinebe among other witnessed the visit.