In a collaborative effort aimed at advancing strategic planning and promoting a cohesive work environment, the Natview Foundation for Technology Innovation (NFTI) is presently hosting the annual retreat of the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics (KDBS). This 3-day retreat, held in Abuja, is tailored for the staff of the Bureau, encompassing a thorough review of 2023 activities, the formulation of a strategic work plan for 2024–2026, team building, and social engagement.

Dr. Baba Bukar Alhaji, the Statistician-General of KDBS, gave a motivational inaugural address to kick off the retreat. An intellectually stimulating presentation by Dr. Bukar entitled “Stock Taking Exercise and Journey So Far in 2023” offered an all-encompassing synopsis of the Bureau’s advancements, establishing the groundwork for dialogues concerning successes, obstacles, and prospective developments.

A unique feature of this retreat is the interactive sessions where various departments and units within KDBS presented detailed insights into their responsibilities, notable accomplishments, challenges faced, lessons learned, and future strategies. This approach ensures transparency and provides a holistic understanding of KDBS’s operations.

Key discussions at the retreat revolved around creating a Framework and Guidelines for the upcoming Work Plan. The drafting of a Strategic Development Plan took center stage, emphasizing KDBS’s commitment to aligning future initiatives with broader organizational objectives. Plenary sessions dedicated to presenting thematic areas of the Strategic Plan enable in-depth exploration and constructive feedback. The retreat will be concluded with team bonding exercises designed to foster mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose among the staff.

The partnership between the KDBS, the Gates Foundation, and the Natview Foundation highlights our commitment to building an internationally competitive bureau that values data-driven practices and strengthens the staff’s capabilities.