Edo State has been honored with the Best State in Nigeria in ICTA for “Advancing GovTech Initiatives and Digital Governance” Award, for harnessing technology for betterment of public services and digital governance.
The announcement came through a letter from the Bureau of Public Service Reforms to the Chairman of the Edo-gov implementation team.
Acknowledging the award, the Chairman of the Edo-gov implementation team and Head of Service (HOS), Edo State, Anthony Osas Okungbowa Esq., said the award is in recognition of Edo State Government’s dedication to harnessing technology for the betterment of public services and governance, which has been made possible through the Edo-gov initiative.
Mr. Okungbowa praised the Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering commitment and resolute support for the Edo-gov initiative, emphasising that such ambitious tech investment in the government sector could only be achieved under the leadership of a visionary Governor like Obaseki.
“As Chairman of the Edo-gov implementation team, I would like to thank His Excellency, Mr. Governor, the best Governor in Nigeria, for the Edo-gov initiative and the tremendous support given to it, as well as the passion and commitment to ensure its success. Only Governors like him can make the kind of investment that the government of Edo State has made in tech development under this administration,” Okungbowa said.
The Head of Service also extended his appreciation to the Deputy Governor, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff (COS), members of the Executive Council, and the diligent Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), saying that their collective support has played a pivotal role in advancing Edo State’s digital transformation.
Furthermore, Mr. Okungbowa expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the entire workforce of the Edo State Public Service, for their tireless efforts in propelling the Edo-gov initiative forward. The progress made, he noted, has been nothing short of astonishing, considering the significant transformation from a near-ground zero position to the current state of technological advancement.
“I thank you all my colleagues, staff of whatever level in the Public Service of Edo State, for all you have done to push this initiative forward. Your efforts are legendary and highly appreciated. It is shocking to keen observers how we have moved from virtually ground zero to where we are at the moment. Your extreme hard work and committment have made it possible,” he said.
Mr. Okungbowa emphasised that Edo State is determined to continue this journey toward being a trailblazer in digital governance and making Edo State the first Nigerian State where physical files become obsolete in government offices.
He reminded everyone that this is only the beginning, emphasising that there is more to achieve.
In his words, “It’s not yet ‘uhuru.’ Indeed, we have only just begun. Together, we shall achieve Mr. Governor’s objective of being the last Governor and by extension, this administration, being the last administration to deal with physical files in Edo State.”
While urging all stakeholders to remain steadfast and focused on this remarkable initiative, the Head of Service said Edo State must maintain its number one position in this transformative journey.
“As they say in the local palace, we must move this ministry to its permanent site. We are already Number 1. We must remain so. We must not drop the ball. Let’s continue to give this project maximum support so that we can finish well on it,” he advised.
