SOLUDO’S DIGITAL REVOLUTION

 Obinna Odogwu reckons the awards are testament to the state’s commitment to excellence, innovation and progress in the digital space

Anambra State swept four awards recently during the ICT peer review session at the 11th National Council on Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy meeting held in Kano State.

At the meeting chaired by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and hosted by the Kano governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Anambra won the Overall Best State in Digital Technology Development.

In addition, Anambra also won the Best State in Digital Infrastructure Technology Development;  the First Runner-up in the category of e-Government Implementation and also a First Runner-up in Digital Technology Human Capital Development.

These four awards were presented to the MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, who stood in for his boss, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, at the event.

Just a few days ago, a team of three Anambra schoolgirls from St. John Vianney Science College, Igbariam in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state emerged winner of the National Girls in ICT Competition organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

Team Vianney, which had Immaculate Ebube Ikegwuonu, Camila Anyadike and Oluchi Nweke-Nonso, under the mentorship of Kodex Africa, developed their innovative M-Tag VR solution which they showcased at the event.

This groundbreaking VR technology gives users access to the rich Nigerian cultures, iconic landmarks and other attractions, offering them a unique and exciting learning experience.

These awards and victories not only spotlight Anambra’s dedication to tech-driven governance, but are also a testament to the state’s commitment to excellence, innovation and progress in the digital space.

Upon assumption of office on March 17, 2022, the professor of economics immediately commenced the implementation of his well structured digitisation agenda targeted at moving the state from analogue ways of handling government’s businesses to a digital one.

According to the governor, part of the idea was to get many people in the state, especially the young ones, trained in the field of ICT. That way, a generation of tech experts would be raised in the state within the shortest possible time.

Already, the results are beginning to show. A series of groundbreaking achievements in the realm of E-Government implementation have been recorded in the state.

Within the last two years, Soludo has been able to digitise the State Executive Council processes, thereby eliminating the need for costly printing and making the process more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable.

There’s also the setting up of the E-Government Infrastructure in the state according to the ICT Agency’s boss, Mr Agbata.

This infrastructure, he said, has set the stage for a digital revolution in the state and that the procurement and distribution of state-of-the-art PCs and laptops by Soludo have advanced the objectives of digitization across the public sector.

The recent government’s partnership with the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the state is aimed at establishing an Internet Exchange Point focusing on improving interconnectivity and reducing internet access costs.

Today, the reported deployment of a Centralized e-GIS System by the Ministry of Lands has made land administration easier and simpler. In fact, those who operate in that sector describe it as a revolutionary move by Mr Governor.

Again, the state-wide launch of the Unified Messaging Service (UMS) has facilitated an enhanced communication and collaboration among the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the government as @anambrastate.gov.ng email addresses have been assigned to them for seamless communication.

There’s also the IT Project Standardization program in the state. The implementation of the ITPRS Portal ensures the digitalization and standardization of IT projects, and the issuance of certificates serves as a proof of compliance.

The Soludo-led administration’s partnership with the Tony Blair Institute has given life to a Digital Delivery Dashboard which facilitates a real-time project monitoring for the state’s five Solution Agenda.

Currently, there is an all-inclusive draft of the state’s ICT Policy document which represents the views of all relevant stakeholders in the tech industry. This policy document aligns with Soludo’s vision of “Everything Technology and Everywhere Technology.”

And it is hoped that the draft document, when activated, would add great value to the state IT ecosystem.

These accomplishments, no doubt, underscore the commitment of Governor Soludo to harnessing technology in governance processes for the betterment of Ndi Anambra.

They are also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Anambra State ICT entire team.

Speaking shortly after receiving the awards on behalf of the governor, Mr Agbata said that the achievements, no doubt, reflected Soludo’s unwavering commitment to technological advancement and the transformative journey being championed in the state.

He was optimistic that Anambra would become a digital powerhouse capable of creating a brighter, tech-driven future for its citizens as it continues its technological journey considering its successful integration of innovative tech-driven initiatives so far.

Odogwu writes via obinnaodogwu77@gmail.com