Nigeria pioneers the first Open Data Portal in Africa with the recent effort of Governor Adams Oshiomhole in Edo State. As part of Edo state’s 3rd Technology Day, the governor launched the state’s Open Data Portal.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Oshiomhole said the only way to deal with wastage, fraud and ghost workers syndrome in Government is to introduce Information Communications Technology into governance. He further said that on assumption of office, he had a clear idea that the way to clean the mess in the running of Government business was to set up an ICT unit.
The launch of the Open Data Portal signaled another giant stride made by the State Government. It’s on record that for the past three years, the state has been reaping the proceeds of ICT, especially with the discovery of 1300 teachers who falsified their ages among other things.
The governor also said, “We want to be able to run not only an efficient Government but an accountable Government.” It is his obvious desire that the essence of the dividends of democracy is for the people to be able to question the elected over the management of available resources which can only be made possible with the introduction of ICT.
The Communications Technology Minister, Mrs Omobola Johnson, commended the Edo Government on the development and integration of ICT. She noted that it transforms and improves the interaction between Government and citizens as well as between the Government the international community.
Mr Jeff Kaplan, a World Bank representative, in a goodwill message rejoiced with the Edo State Government in its effort to establish open governance in the state.
Nigerians are waiting for the other 35 states, FCT and the Federal Government to follow suit to curb the massive waste in the Government workforce that has birthed several recurring problems like youth unemployment, inefficient resource allocation, hooliganism and general insecurity.
Source: Channelstv
