Edo State Aims to Become Nigeria’s First Fully E-governed State by September
Edo State, located in southern Nigeria, is set to become the country’s first fully e-governed state by September 2023. The state government has embarked on a digital transformation initiative to shift its mode of administration entirely to a digital platform. This groundbreaking move was announced by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during the launch of a one-week digital transformation training program for over 3000 workers.
The training program, held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City, aims to equip civil and public servants with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape effectively. According to Mr. Obaseki, Edo State is already the most digitized state in Nigeria, and the ongoing efforts will ensure that all government services are digitized, transparent, and seamless.
To achieve this goal, the state government plans to train 3000 personnel on the use of computers over the next few weeks. The governor emphasized the importance of computer literacy in working with the edogov platform, which will serve as the backbone of the state’s e-governance system. He expressed confidence that Edo State will be the first in the country to achieve complete e-governance, surpassing the achievements of other states.
Mr. Obaseki stressed the government’s commitment to transform Edo State into a digital hub for Nigeria. This commitment is demonstrated through significant investments in digitalization, such as the extension of fiber optic cables across the state to provide internet access and promote digital skills development. The governor recently launched a digital policy aimed at positioning the state at the forefront of digital technology and guiding its path towards achieving tangible results.
The training program, which will span nine weeks, focuses on the directorate cadre and aims to enhance computer proficiency among civil and public servants. The governor highlighted the importance of workers being proficient in computer appreciation to enable them to utilize the edogov platform effectively. With over 38,000 employees in the state’s public service, this training initiative holds great significance in achieving the desired digital transformation.
Edo State’s ambitious drive to become the first fully e-governed state in Nigeria aligns with its objective of setting new standards in digital technology. By embracing digitization and ensuring all government processes are carried out electronically, the state aims to streamline operations, promote transparency, and enhance service delivery. The government’s efforts to create a digital ecosystem that empowers its workforce and enables efficient governance position Edo State as a leader in Nigeria’s digital revolution.
As Edo State pioneers this digital transformation, other states in Nigeria are likely to take note and follow suit. The success of this initiative has the potential to inspire and catalyze similar efforts nationwide. As the September deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Edo State, eagerly awaiting its transformation into a fully e-governed state and the impact it will have on Nigeria’s digital landscape.
