Edo Academy Introduces Artificial Intelligence to Public Service
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOSPA), has in Benin City, declared that artificial intelligence the world over, is transforming the way governments operate and provide services to citizens.
The academy also noted that understanding the fundamentals of artificial intelligence remains essential for government officials to make informed decisions; develop effective policies and harness the potential of technologies for public good.
Director General of JOOSPA, Mr. Imuwahen Ajoonu made the remarks at a two-day training on artificial intelligence for the state’s public servants held in Benin City yesterday.
The director general said the aim of the course “is to empower civil and public servants with the requisite knowledge to enhance government operations, provide better services to citizens, and make data-driven decisions.
“All the modules in the course have been designed to introduce the Edo State Civil and Public Service Workforce to Artificial Intelligence,” Ajoonu explained at the training.
She said: “Because artificial intelligence can analyse vast amounts of data quickly, identify trends and provide insights, it could help government make more informed decisions, especially in areas like policy development, resource allocation, and crisis management.”
“Artificial intelligence can also, automate routine and time-consuming tasks, allowing government workers to focus on more complex and value-added activities. This not only increases efficiency but also leads to cost savings in the long run.”
At the inaugural session, the lead facilitator Prof. Yinka Omorogbe (SAN) demonstrated to participants that everyone in government could leverage artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness of government operations.
Omorogbe observed that the government workers trained in artificial intelligence “can, for instance, harness predictive analytics to anticipate trends and issues.
“For example, artificial intelligence can predict traffic congestions, allowing city planners to optimize traffic management. Or it can be deployed to forecast disease outbreaks, enabling health agencies to allocate resources more effectively.
“In line with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s e-governance drive, the ongoing Omorogbe training programme is to, among others, support workers to make more data driven decisions, resulting in transparency, accountability and value-for-money outcomes.”
