posted October 13, 2023
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s emphasis on innovation and digital solutions is a testament to the growing importance of technology in both government and the private sector.
Obaseki highlights the adoption of an e-government platform in Edo State. This means that the state government is using digital technology to streamline its operations, reduce paperwork, and improve efficiency in service delivery.
The governor said this on Thursday during a Zoom call with participants in the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme, in which youths from across the country participated in a four-week intensive training session.
The governor believes that investment in digital infrastructure can create opportunities for young people. By training them in business and ICT skills, he hopes to empower them to innovate and create solutions for both government and private businesses.
Obaseki acknowledges that we are in an age of information and communication technology. He stresses the importance of young people embracing technology as a means to build careers and contribute to the digital economy.
Edo State’s shift towards a digital platform means that the government has reduced its reliance on paper. This move not only increases efficiency but also encourages businesses that work with the government to follow suit, fostering a digital ecosystem.
“For many of you, this will be a redefining experience because you have acquired skills in business and ICT that could possibly redefine your life. It is important that as a country that is in a hurry to industrialize and increase productivity, we must begin to engage our young people, train and get them ready to take advantage of the opportunities that exist. For opportunities that do not exist, young people should be able to create these opportunities.”
Obaseki further noted that the world has gone digital, stressing that it was important that young people embrace technology.
He said, “For us in Edo, our entire government platform today runs on a digital platform. We don’t use paper. We recognise that as a government. And if we do, we know that many businesses that rely on us must also go in that direction.
The governor emphasizes that the skills acquired during the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme are not limited to Edo State. These skills can be applied globally, and he encourages the youth to continue honing their skills and seeking further opportunities for self-improvement.
“The skills you have learnt in the last four weeks are applicable globally and therefore it is important that you continue to hone your skills, invest and improve on yourselves. What you have done is not an end in itself. If anything, it is just the beginning because upskilling is a life-long experience. You have gone through this exercise this year with MTN, but that shouldn’t be the end, you should continue to look for other opportunities to improve yourselves.”
Obaseki underscores the importance of lifelong learning and upskilling. In a fast-paced digital world, continuous learning is essential to keep up with evolving technologies and to remain competitive. His emphasis on e-government and the transition to digital platforms is a step towards modernizing government operations and enhancing the delivery of public services.