By Tracy Ohovwere
The Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa has reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Sen. Monday Okpebholo-led administration to strengthen Data Management and Digital Governance within the State’s administrative systems.
Dr. Okungbowa gave the assurance while playing host to the Management Team of the Edo State Digital Governance and Data Management Agency (Edo DIDA), led by its Functioning Managing Director, Dr. (Mrs.) Ewere Sam-Urope, at the State Government House in Benin City. He reaffirmed the Governor’s full support for the Agency’s mission, and emphasized the critical role data play in modern governance, noting that Public and Civil Service delivery has become increasingly scientific and data-driven; moving away from outdated transactional models to more strategic approaches.
The HOS stated, “Governance within the Civil and Public Service has become more strategic than ever before. If we are to make tangible progress, we must consistently reassess, reevaluate, and interrogate our operational frameworks, including our processes, timelines, action points, and deliverables.” He cited insights from the recently concluded International Civil Service Conference, which held in Abuja; warning that the Edo State Civil Service must embrace ongoing reforms or risk being left behind.
Dr. Okungbowa commended Dr. Sam-Urope and her Team for their resilience and impactful contributions despite various challenges. In his words, “Edo DIDA plays a pivotal role in driving reforms across the Civil and Public Service landscape. It is imperative that we provide the necessary support and enabling environment to allow the Agency to thrive.”
Highlighting Edo DIDA’s digital initiatives, the HOS lauded the progress of the OneEdo Platform, which aims to consolidate all Government services in a single digital interface. He described the platform as potentially transformative, stating that if fully adopted, the initiative will revolutionize service delivery across the State. He also lauded the Edo State Government (EDSG) Electronic Attendance System, noting its potentials to instill discipline and accountability by digitally monitoring staff attendance.
On training, Dr. Okungbowa stressed the need for post-training evaluations by ensuring that training outcomes align with strategic objectives. “Training must be prioritized and outcomes must be measurable. It is not enough to conduct trainings; we must ensure they contribute directly to our development goals as a service,” he concluded.
In her remarks, Dr. Sam-Urope stated that the visit aimed to update the HOS on the Agency’s achievements, future plans and challenges requiring strategic support. She announced that the OneEdo Platform is ready to be launched, following the successful onboarding of more services on the Platform and the recently held comprehensive stakeholders’ meeting with representatives drawn from 18 ministries departments and agencies (MDAs).
According to her, the Platform is designed to enable citizens access Government services digitally to minimize the need for physical visits to MDAs. She disclosed plans to embark on MDAs’ ward round to showcase the Platform’s capabilities and to encourage MDAs to leverage on its functionalities. She asserted that the Data Governance Portal, which was developed in collaboration with the Data Science Nigeria (DSN), is a vital tool for evidence-based policymaking.
Dr. Sam-Urope cited the Edo Business Connect Portal, which was developed in partnership with the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), as a one-stop shop for business registration, visibility and access to Government services as well as opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). She added that DSN recently facilitated capacity-building trainings for the Agency staff and data champions from various MDAs, to further enhance the State’s digital competency.
She gave an update on Edo Voice; an upcoming automated citizen feedback platform, which is designed to allow residents to lodge complaints and receive prompt responses. According to her, the platform which adopts a “See Something, Say Something” approach, aims to foster transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance by ensuring citizens’ voices are heard and their concerns addressed digitally and efficiently.
