In order to ensure the successful implementation of the Edo Digital Policy, the Edo State Government organized an onboarding session for the Policy Action Team in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The event was held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City and included important stakeholders from a number of ministries and agencies. On behalf of 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 after Governor Monday Okpebholo took office.
The rebranded Ministry of Information and Communication now includes Information Communication and Technology (ICT) to lead the state’s digital transformation.
According to Dr. Agbama, the ministry is now in charge of the Edo Digital Policy. He emphasized that in order to guarantee efficient policy implementation, monitoring, and assessment, Policy Champions—who had completed a three-day training workshop—will work in tandem with Policy Action Team members from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Heads of ministries and agencies were urged by Hon. Ohonbamu to coordinate their projects with the digital policy, emphasizing the value of teamwork by creating a WhatsApp group where members can share ideas, monitor progress, and address obstacles.
Mr. Osayi Osaro, the Policy Innovation Center’s Advocacy Coordinator, spoke at the occasion and gave an overview of the Edo Digital Policy’s goals.
He stated that in order to promote development and improve the quality of life for Edo citizens, the policy seeks to create a unified, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem.
Leading the project, managing training in digital skills to create a workforce prepared for the digital economy, and assisting with educational changes that incorporate digital literacy into schools and higher education are the responsibilities assigned to the Policy Action Team.
Mr. Ibrahim Momoh, a lecturer at Ambrose Alli University and the secretary of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, argued during the meeting that higher education institutions should be included in the Digital Policy.
In order to ensure inclusivity in the application of the policy, he further asked that accommodations be made to suit the requirements of people with disabilities.
A request for cooperation from all parties involved was made at the end of the event in order to successfully propel Edo State’s digital transformation.
