Data is Critical to National Development, Says Fashola 

Yinka Olatunbosun

The former Minister of Power, Works and Housing and a two-term Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola has said that data is critical to solving problems in order to develop a nation. 

He disclosed this at the concluding remarks at his much trumpeted book presentation held on Thursday February 8 in Lagos. The event held at the Banquet Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island saw a gathering of former colleagues and associates of the former Lagos State governor and a senior advocate of Nigeria.

Accompanied by his wife, Abimbola Fashola, he warmly extended his appreciation to the audience, describing the book titled ‘Nigerian Public Discourse: An Interplay of Empirical Evidence and Hyperbole’ as a product of his 21 years in public service.

“This is the output of my public service experience and for those 21 years many people paid for my long absence, especially my family members. All of you who bore the brunt of my painful absence, I am very thankful. 

Preceded by a review done by Mr Opeyemi Agbaje, a panellists’ session moderated by Fajemirokun Ajayi put a spotlight on the content of the book. The session featured the former special assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, Tolu Ogunlesi; social entrepreneur, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji and Adesua Giwa-Osagie who shared varied perspectives on the book and the author’s point of view.

In his reaction to the session, the author remarked: “From what we saw here, the conversation has started. We are now thinking how we can turn Japa (migration) to Japada (repatriation). Clearly, while data is important, data can be subjective and manipulated. There is some data that you cannot run away from like how many are here. I agree that data and information are just the beginning; if you put context, it can then translate to wisdom.

The author further remarked that the event was intended to promote conversations about  Nigeria with the hope of eliciting more serious action. 

“A sequel will not be too far away,” Fashola continued. “For those who insist on building 17 million houses as the solution to our housing challenge, let me remind you that one million houses per annum would require us to build 2,739 houses daily: from foundation to roofing, floors and tiling. 

“We can look at housing not only from the point of view of ownership but also rental. How many houses are empty and unoccupied? Why are they empty? Some of these happen because of the way we collect rent. 

He thanked the lawmakers who passed the rent control bill into law, expressing optimism that this law will change the dynamics on tenancy.

He continued: “If you go to the villages, there are a lot of houses locked up there. The owners are in the city, sharing apartments. 

“As we buy more carbon engines, let us expect more heat and flooding. Let us remember that we are signatory to the agreement in Paris about climate change.”