BRACED States to Emulate Edo’s Trailblazing Digital Governance Model

By Joy Richardson

The BRACED Commission, encompassing the South-South states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta, has decided to adopt the e-governance model pioneered by Edo State under Governor Godwin Obaseki. This initiative, which emphasizes transparency, accountability, traceability, and digitization, has made Edo a leader in digital governance.

During a recent three-day strategy retreat at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City, senior officials from the BRACED states gathered to learn from Edo’s successes. Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, Edo State’s Head of Service, detailed the achievements of the state’s digital transformation project. Since its inception, the project has integrated over 36,000 staff members into the EdoGov ERP platform, facilitated over 125,000 transactions, established a Tier 3 Data Centre with an external Disaster Recovery site, deployed over 2,000 km of fiber optics, and connected all 18 Local Government Areas.

Dr. Okungbowa emphasized that Edo’s digitalization offers a blueprint for unlocking Nigeria’s potential and accelerating progress towards sustainable development goals. Benefits include increased efficiency and productivity, greater transparency, enhanced customer experience, reduced governance costs, and improved decision-making through data-driven insights. He noted that the retreat resulted in the “Benin Declaration,” committing BRACED states to replicate Edo’s technological advancements within two years.

Participants in the retreat, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Orientation, Dr. Desmond Agbama, and JOOPSA Director-General, Imuwahen Ajoonu, stressed the importance of continuous upskilling and applying acquired skills to enhance public service efficiency. They highlighted the necessity of strong institutions and collective effort for economic growth, urging stakeholders to pursue excellence and sustainable development.

Keynote speakers at the event included Vice President and Country Director of DAI, Dr. Joe Abah; former Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsaye; Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa; Director General of the BRACED Commission, Ambassador Joe Keshi; and Director General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Issah Aremu.

Delta State’s Head of Service, Reginald Boyoko, praised Edo’s developmental strides and noted the retreat’s organizational excellence. The Permanent Secretary of Rivers State, representing their Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Sabina Iwarkama Brown, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the BRACED states, focusing on sharing successful practices rather than independently developing new ideas.

In summary, the BRACED states aim to emulate Edo State’s lead in digital governance, fostering a more efficient, transparent, and accountable public service system across the South-South region.