ABIA STATE GOVT/UK TRAINS 280 CIVIL SERVANTS ON E-GOVERNANCE
REPORTER: PEACE AGBO
Two hundred and eighty civil servants in the Abia State employ have undergone a five day “State Level Inclusive Digital Transformation Project” training for efficient service delivery in E-governance.
Speaking at the closing of the event, Governor Alex Otti said the programme, which was sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office, (FCDO), would improve the Digital Literacy of over 60,000 Abia State workers across various establishments, institutions, and local governments.
He noted that part of his administration’s broader digital transformation agenda is to have the civil service transit to an E-governance structure as well as “build a workforce that is efficiency driven, and can leverage technology systems.”
Governor Otti, who acknowledged the vital role of the FCDO and its technical partners, expressed gratitude to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria for his support to the state’s development.
The Governor reiterated the readiness to collaborate with development partners to build a viral society in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Earlier, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria and the UK Permanent Representative for the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS), Dr. Richard Montgomery, emphasized the need for civil servants to embrace digital technology demands.
He encouraged governments at all levels to integrate digital solutions into their operations.
Dr. Montgomery further expressed the UK government’s interest in the digital sector and its willingness to partner Abia State to enhance broadband connectivity, among other initiatives.
He applauded Governor Otti for the significant improvements in the state’s infrastructure and the effective management of state resources to deliver democracy dividends to the people.
For her part, the State Head of Service, Dr. Queen Obioma, highlighted the digital literacy programmme as a crucial part of the Governor’s vision to create a more efficient and effective civil service.
Dr. Obioma encouraged participants in the programme to apply their newly acquired skills to foster a more dynamic and productive workforce.
She lauded Governor Otti for his efforts in closing the digital skills gap and equipping the state workforce with essential tools, assuring that they would align with his vision for a functional and progressive state.
Some of the participants, Mrs. Nkechi Kalu, Mr. Isaac Onyekachi, Mrs. Christine Ndubueze and Mr. Eze Ujah, expressed joy for the training received to enhance their service delivery in the state.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
