By Eghosa Emily.
The Edo State Government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, has undertaken a comprehensive digital governance initiative with a resounding commitment to digitize various facets of the state’s workforce. This commitment was reiterated by the Head of Service, Edo State, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa Esq. during a two-day Edogov training held at the ICTA hall, JOOPSA complex in Benin, targeting Heads of the 18 local governments and their respective staff members.
The training, organized by the Edo State Government through the Office of the Head of State, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs (MLGCCA0), Local Government Service Commission, and Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), is conducted in three batches corresponding to different zones: Edo South (Batch 1), Edo Central (Batch 2), and Edo North (Batch 3). The training spans from March 12th to March 19th, 2024.
Commending Governor Godwin Obaseki’s dedication to digital infrastructure development, particularly in the civil and public service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, Head of Service and Chairman of E-governance Edo State, highlighted substantial investments directed toward ensuring the seamless operation and security of the E-governance system. He expressed confidence that the people of Edo State would soon recognize and appreciate the positive impact of E-governance. He further underscored that adopting E-governance would fortify the civil/public service, serving as a crucial instrument for achieving quality governance.
Speaking on the significance of E-governance, the Head of Service highlighted its role in enhancing accessibility to files and promoting transparency, thereby minimizing corruption in the civil and public service. Dr. Okungbowa asserted that digital governance has simplified the work of civil/public servants, allowing them to operate from any location with online connectivity. He emphasized the necessity of digital governance in a rapidly evolving global landscape, asserting, “Today, Edo State is reputed as the most digitalized state in the whole country, courtesy of the Governor.”
At the event, Chief Tom Uloko, Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, stressed the importance of local governments embracing digital practices and effectively utilizing the E-governance system. He praised the Governor for providing this opportunity for local government personnel to undergo training in E-governance operations.
Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, Hon. Newman Ugiagbe, expressed gratitude to the Governor for introducing E-GOV to all eighteen local government councils. He believes that this initiative will elevate Edo State as the first state to achieve complete digitization.
Mrs. Amen Ajayi, a facilitator at the event, provided participants with insights into Computer Appreciation and basic components of the computer system before the commencement of other modules in the training including; Information Communication Technology Collaborative Tools, Microsoft Office Tools, Introduction to E-governance, E-governance platforms, amongst others.
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Dignitaries present at the event included the Honourable Commissioner MLGCCA, Hon. Monday Osaigbovo, Chairman, Oredo Local Government, Hon. Tom Obaseki, the Managing Director, ICTA, Mr. Goodluck Igbinedion, Permanent Secretary, Human Resources, office of the Head of Service, Mr. George Igberease, Permanent Secretary MLGCCA, Mrs Felicia Edokpolor, , retired Permanent Secretary ICTA, Mrs Birgitta Okodugha, amongst others
One of the participants Victor Okorafor from Ovia North East Local Government Area expressed delight in the training, foreseeing that the acquired knowledge would significantly ease their work, welcoming the introduction of the E-governance system as a positive development to be embraced.
