By Amin Kef Sesay
Statistics-Sierra Leone, the institution that is charged with the responsibility of collecting, processing, analysing and disseminating accurate, clear, relevant, timely and high quality statistical information on social, health, demographic, economic and financial aspects to serve the needs of users including Government, International Partners and the general public, on Tuesday 8th September 2020 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Africa Young Voices (AYV) on the terms of popularizing and disseminating the institution’s activities especially the upcoming Mid-Term Census.
In his opening statement, Samuel Wise Bangura, spokesman for the AYV thanked Statistics-SL for the confidence reposed in them culminating in partnering with them underscoring that which the institution made no mistake in doing so.
He furthered that AYV will create the platform for statistical analyses to be done on a broader spectrum in order for decision makers to get full knowledge of relevant issues in order to make informed decisions based on the accurate data produced by Statistics-Sierra Leone.
He furthered that the relationship entered into by the two institutions has set the agenda for development to properly continue in Sierra Leone.
In his statement the Statistician-General, Malam O Sankoh, stated that what AYV will be doing is not only for Statistics SL but should be looked at as a national services.
He furthered that all what his institution is doing is for the public to be informed underscoring that if the public is not made to be aware of what they are doing then there is no need for them to conduct their activities.
The Statistician-General stated that they do not only want the public to know about the end process but to also follow the process.
He stated that Statistics SL is the body that conducted the 2015 National Census, but when he took over in 2018, he realized that there were challenges and questions coming up which was why they approached the Government and donor partners to conduct a Mid-Term Census in order to address some of those challenges.
He stated that the December 3rd Mid-Term Census will produce the most credible data which is why they want the process to be an inclusive one that will capture everyone where he or she sleeps on the eve of the commencement of census.
Mallam .O. disclosed how Stats- SL has set up an Advisory Committee comprising senior members of all the Political Parties in the country.
Duramani Ezecikel Lakoh, Managing Director of AYV assured Statistics- SL that AYV will get all they desire. He disclosed that AYV is not only a media house but also a Media Consultancy Firm.
“AYV is a national entity because it reaches all the four corners of Sierra Leone and beyond with a term of professional broadcasters,” he added.
He underscored that AVY is not a political institution and so is open up to work with all institutions to develop Sierra Leone.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by the Chief Executive Officer of AYV, Anthony Navo Jrn and the Statistician General of Statistics-Sierra Leone Mallam O formed the highpoint of the programme.
