…highlight e-gov system, health sector automation, digital transformation of civil service, others as grounds for honour

Nigeria’s major telecommunications companies under the aegis of the Association of Telecommunications Companies in Nigeria (ATCON) have named the immediate past Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, as Digital Governor of the Year.

The honour, according to the telcos, is on the back of the bold and transformative reforms in the State’s digital and technology space which have revolutionized the State, propelling it to the forefront of digital innovation in governance in the country and launching its people into the super digital highway.

The former governor will be conferred with the honour at the 31st Anniversary Celebration of ATCON, scheduled to take place on Friday, December 1, 2024, in Lagos, by 6 pm.

Obaseki, among other achievements in the State’s digital and technology space, superintended the launch of the Edo State Digital Policy and the Edo Data Centre, which is the first data centre owned by a State in Nigeria.

His administration also transitioned the State’s public and civil service from an archaic, analogue system to a fully digitized and seamless operation. Today, Edo boasts the most digitized civil and public service in Nigeria, with all local government areas connected via fibre optics.

All thanks to Obaseki, Edo also made history as the first State in the country to have entirely shifted to a digital mode of administration, with a service-wide e-government platform that ensured that all government files are processed digitally, ensuring quicker turnaround times and fostering a paperless work culture.

Beyond the public sector automation, the Obaseki-led government also prioritized creating a conducive work environment for state workers, which features a state-of-the-art Secretariat complex, supported by an advanced e-government protocol, making it a model for digital governance in the country.

These and many other laudable achievements, according to the President of ATCON, Tony Emoekpere, are the grounds on which the former governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, was nominated as the Digital Governor of the Year.

In a letter to the Governor sited by our correspondent, ATCON said, the State's achievements in digital governance have earned it a recognition as a leader in public service automation, demonstrating its commitment to modernizing governance through technology.

According to the telcos, “We are thrilled to recognize your outstanding contributions to the digital landscape of Edo State, earning you the esteemed title of Digital Governor. Your visionary leadership has propelled the state to the forefront of digital innovation, and we are honored to celebrate your achievements at ATCON's 31st Anniversary Celebration which is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 6, 2024, in Lagos by 6 pm. Your tireless efforts have yielded remarkable results.”

Some key achievements that have contributed to these outcomes, they said include, “The Edo State E-Governance Platform: Edo State’s E-Governance platform is at the heart of its digital transformation efforts making Edo state the first Sub-National to be fully transited to a Paperless state in Nigeria. This platform has automated several government processes, including e-protocols-procurement, education, healthcare services, e-petitions, and internal operations. By making government services easily accessible online, it fosters greater transparency and public participation in governance.

“3-TIER Data Center and Automation: The Edo State 3-TIER Data Center is a state-of-the-art facility which has been critical in managing digital services for government agencies. The data center is structured into three tiers, each providing a higher level of redundancy, scalability, and security. The center hosts upgraded server systems, including the Odoo application for Local Government Management, and strengthens cybersecurity through firewall upgrades. It also supports the storage and management of state records, contributing to the Document Management System (DMS).

“Digital Skills and Innovaton Hubs: The state has established the Edo Innovation Hub and Edo Tech Park, both of which foster technological innovation and entrepreneurship. Through digital skills training programs, Edo has equipped its citizens with skills necessary for the digital economy. This has also catalyzed job creation and entrepreneurship through the Edo Startup Act and innovation grants.

“Technology in Agriculture: Edo has automated and modemized its agricultural sector through initiatives like the Agricultural Data Analytics Platform, which supports farmers with data-driven insights.

“Other initiatives include precision agriculture, digital extension services, and mechanization programs aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and sustainability.” The ATCON President said other efforts that earned the former governor the honour are:

“Health Sector Automation: The health sector has witnessed significant digital transformation with the deployment of the Health Information Management System (HMIS), Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and Telemedicine Services. These technologies have streamlined healthcare delivery, improved patient management, and extended healthcare access to rural areas.

“Pension Management System: Edo State has also digitized its pension management process with the Edo State Pension Management System and an online pension portal. These platforms allow pensioners to access services digitally, improving transparency and reducing fraud through biometric verification.

“Smart City and Fiber Optic Infrastructure: The Smart City Initiative and investments in fiber optic infrastructure have enabled high-speed internet access across the state, laying the foundation for further digital services and urban planning.”

On digital transformation in the education sector, the telecommunications company stated, “The Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) program, a pioneering initiative, has revolutionized primary and junior secondary education by integrating technology into teaching and learning processes. Teachers are equipped with digital tools to enhance classroom management and lesson delivery.

“Continuous teacher training and capacity-building programs ensure that educators remain equipped with modern teaching skills. The deployment of E-Learning Platforms has expanded access to educational content, while investments in school infrastructure have provided a conducive learning environment.

“The state's Technical and Vocational Education programs offer practical skills, preparing students for the workforce.”

The group also identified that “Edo State Geographic Information System is a critical technology initiative focused on digitizing land administration in the state. This system ensures that land ownership and property records are digitized, providing transparency and ease of access to land-related services, while also reducing disputes over land.”

Others achievements for the recognition are the “Edo State Command and Control Center: Edo State has a Command-and-Control Centre that serves as a hub for monitoring and managing the state's security, traffic, and emergency services. The center is equipped with advanced technologies such as:

“Surveillance cameras, emergency response systems, traffic management software, data analytics tools and communication networks

“Data Management System: A robust system that enhances decision-making, transparency, and inter-agency collaboration through real-time data access.

“Network Connectivity for LGAs and PHCs: Connecting all 18 LGAs and PHCs enhances healthcare delivery and local governance responsiveness.

“Network Connectivity for LGAs and PHCs: Connecting all 18 LGAs and PHCs enhances healthcare delivery and local governance responsiveness. Deployment of Digital Tools to Civil Servants: Providing over 6000 digital tools improves public administration efficiency and fosters a culture of innovation.”

ATCON added, “The state’s achievements in digital governance have earned it recognition as a leader in public service automation, demonstrating its commitment to modernizing governance through technology.

“Your commitment to digital excellence has set a shining example for other states to follow. We applaud your dedication to creating a digitally enabled Edo State, driving economic growth, and improving the lives of its citizens.”