The Edo State Government, in partnership with the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has conducted an onboarding session for the Policy Action Team to ensure the effective implementation of the Edo Digital Policy.
The event, held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City, featured key stakeholders from various ministries and agencies.
Representing the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Desmond Agbama, highlighted the strategic restructuring of the Ministry following the assumption of office by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The rebranded Ministry of Information and Communication now includes Information Communication and Technology (ICT) to spearhead the state’s digital transformation.
Dr. Agbama explained that the Ministry now serves as the lead agency for the Edo Digital Policy.
He emphasised that Policy Champions, who had undergone a three-day training workshop, will collaborate with Policy Action Team members across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure effective policy execution, monitoring, and evaluation.
Hon. Ohonbamu encouraged heads of Ministries and Agencies to align their projects with the Digital Policy, stressing the importance of collaboration through a WhatsApp group for team members to exchange ideas, track progress, and resolve challenges.
Speaking at the event, the Advocacy Coordinator of the Policy Innovation Centre, Mr. Osayi Osaro, outlined the objectives of the Edo Digital Policy.
He noted that the policy aims to establish a cohesive, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem to foster growth and enhance the lives of Edo residents.
The Policy Action Team is tasked with leading the project, overseeing digital skills training to develop a workforce for the digital economy, and supporting education reforms that integrate digital literacy into schools and higher institutions.
During the session, Mr. Ibrahim Momoh, a lecturer from Ambrose Alli University and a Secretary at the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, advocated for the extension of the Digital Policy to tertiary institutions.
He also urged that provisions be made to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in the policy’s implementation.
The event concluded with a call for collaboration among stakeholders to drive Edo State’s digital transformation effectively.
