Edo Govt. Establishes Policy Action Team To Drive Digital Policy Implementation
Tracy Ohovwore, Benin city
The Edo State Government, in collaboration with the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has organised an onboarding session for the Policy Action Team to ensure the effective implementation of the Edo Digital Policy.
The strategic event which was held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City, featured key stakeholders from various ministries and agencies.
Representing the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Desmond Agbama, underlined the strategic restructuring of the Ministry following the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The redesigned Ministry of Information and Communication now includes Information Communication and Technology (ICT) to spearhead the state’s digital transformation.
Dr. Agbama informed that the Ministry now serves as the lead agency for the Edo Digital Policy. He emphasised that Policy Champions, who had undergone a three-day training workshop, will collaborate with Policy Action Team members across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure effective policy execution, monitoring, and evaluation.
Hon. Ohonbamu encouraged heads of Ministries and Agencies to calibrate their projects with the Digital Policy, stressing the importance of collaboration through the creation of a WhatsApp group for team members to exchange ideas, track progress, and resolve challenges.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Osayi Osaro, Advocacy Coordinator of the Policy Innovation Centre, highlighted the objectives of the Edo Digital Policy.
He noted that the policy aims to create a unified, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem that promotes growth and enhances the quality of life for Edo residents.
The Policy Action Team was tasked with leading projects, overseeing digital skills training to develop a workforce for the digital economy, and supporting education reforms that integrate digital literacy into schools and higher institutions.
During the session, Mr. Ibrahim Momoh, a lecturer at Ambrose Alli University and secretary of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, advocated for the extension of the Digital Policy to tertiary institutions.
He also urged that provisions be made to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in the policy’s implementation.
