Soludo Provides 200 Laptops, Computers For Civil Servants

Anambra's governor, Chukwuma Soludo gave away 200 computer and laptop sets to employees on Wednesday in an effort to digitise government operations and promote electronic governance.

At the flag-off event held by the state ICT Agency in Awka, Soludo, who was represented by Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, the Secretary to the State Government, noted that digital operations had enormous potential for the public sector.

Theodora Igwegbe, Anambra State Head of Service receiving the ICT tools on behalf of civil servants.

Using ICT efforts similar to those seen in wealthy nations, according to Soludo, the state economy and affairs would be managed more successfully.

“We are in a digital era, any country or state that does not embrace technology is unlikely to make significant progress or sustain economic development.

“The distribution of ICT tools to civil servants is a policy that began three years ago to facilitate e-Government and keep pace with global best practices.

“e-Governence which is the adoption of technology in government processes and service delivery, makes government service delivery efficient and cost effective.

“The adoption of ICTs in the civil service will increase productivity, transparency and drive the state’s mega-city project as well as build trust between the government and the governed,“ he said.

However, Soludo advised the civil officials to use ICT to better serve the public.

Additionally, he suggested that the State ICT Agency regularly teach government officials on how to utilise ICT tools.

Theodora Igwegbe, Head of Service, also spoke, noting that the digitization of civil service activities was a step towards the realisation of the Anambra State Civil Service Strategy and Implementation plan.

“We thank Gov. Soludo for affording us this opportunity to shift from paper service to digital operations. This will promote innovation and improve service delivery.

“We promise to use these tools to improve our services and serve citizens better,” she said.

The Managing Director of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Agbata, stated in his remarks that the agency has started the ICT revolution in the state in accordance with Governor Soludo's e-Government and smart mega-city agenda.

“This is government’s effort to transit from analogue to digital operations. In this first phase distribution, we are starting with the ministries, departments and agencies in the state.

“These computers are worth over a N100 million and they are designed to help civil servants do their work better,. So, you have no excuse not to deliver,” he said.