Abia State Government says it will continue to leverage on technology to work towards the socio-economic development of the State.
The Governor, Dr Alex Otti who asserted this at the Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia while declaring open stakeholders engagement on the State-Level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation, SPRIRET, an initiative established by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office described technology as an indispensable accelerator of development and a major driver of productivity to drive economic development, reduce administrative cost and promote efficiency in government.
He acknowledged the support of development partners, particularly the British Government, in advancing digital inclusion and skills development in the state and appreciated the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Jonny Baxter, who he noted has visited economic and social sites, engaging stakeholders and identifying areas for further partnership.
According to him, more than 2,202 young people have been trained in various in-demand ICT skills through the government-supported TechRise Skills Acquisition Programme, adding that it opened opportunities for beneficiaries in local and international employment, collaborations and new ventures.
Presenting the baseline report under the SPRIRET UK programme,
the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Jonny Baxter reaffirmed the commitment of The United Kingdom to supporting Nigeria’s digital development and strengthening its partnership with Abia State through digital skills training, connectivity projects and policy support.
Mr Baxter said the state government has demonstrated sterling qualities through its approach to digital development, adding that such commitment was an important factor in the United Kingdom’s decision to engage with the state on the initiative.
He commended the State Government for its ambition and commitment to digital transformation, noting that meaningful progress required leadership, vision and a willingness to drive change, sressing that the partnership reflected a shared belief that digital technology could improve public services, create economic opportunities and enable governments to serve citizens more effectively.
The Chief Information Officer to the state Mr Gerald Ilukwe while highlighting the importance of human capital development, institutional reforms and government approach in driving digital transformation, explained that meaningful development in the 21st century could only be achieved through the development of skills and capacities of government workers and the citizens.
