By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

A statistician, Dr. Emmanuel Adenegan, has said that statistics is the unseen force driving everything from life-saving drug development to understanding the impacts of climate change in Nigeria.

He spoke to The Hope on the theme: “Unlocking Insights: The Power of Statistics in Today’s Data-Driven World.” 

According to Adenegan, statistics has been a key driver of innovation because it provides guidance for evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation.

He noted that in today’s data-driven world, statistics is not just a technical discipline but a powerful tool used to unlock insights and shape the future. By transforming raw data into meaningful knowledge, statistics can empower us to address global challenges, innovate across industries, and improve overall quality of life.

“We all need statistics in every aspect of our lives,” he said, “and I encourage everyone to embrace its use, whatever their field may be.

“It is important for users of statistics to stay abreast of the factors that determine which statistical technique is most appropriate for any given data set. Statistics has become a cornerstone of every scientific inquiry—whether in medicine, engineering, the natural sciences, or the social sciences, we all rely heavily on statistical methods.”He explained

Adenegan then presented findings from his study on factors associated with neonatal and post-neonatal mortality in Nigeria. Drawing on the reproductive health histories of over 8,000 women aged 15–49, the study showed that infant mortality rates were highest among children born to mothers with no formal education and those living in rural areas.

 “The study also demonstrated that breastfeeding is a key protective factor against infant mortality. Cessation of breastfeeding significantly increases the risk of death during a child’s first year of life.” He noted

Adenegan said as a result of these findings, a national policy and advocacy campaign promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life was developed and is now being propagated and sponsored by UNICEF.

He concluded by urging the government and relevant authorities to invest more in scientific research, especially in the application of statistical methods, and to ensure that schools include statisticians in all observational and experimental studies from the planning stage onward.