Edo Trains Workforce for Digital Future

BENIN CITY — In a move to foster a digitally skilled workforce and enhance public service delivery, the Edo State Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, led by Hon. Ohimai Ehijimetor, has organised a one-day Staff Onboarding and Capacity Building Workshop titled, “The Future of Work and Digital Literacy.”

The training workshop and staff onboarding programme was held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Benin City.

The workshop was designed to equip newly recruited staff and existing personnel with the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards required to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital workplace.

Speaking during the opening session, the Honourable Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. Ohimai Ehijimetor, welcomed participants and stressed the importance of continuous learning, professionalism, and digital competence in driving effective public service delivery.

At the event, the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Corporate Change, Communication and Performance Management, Dr Peter Osagie.

Also in attendance were commissioners, permanent secretaries, and heads of agencies from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The programme featured a series of presentations delivered by seasoned resource persons on key areas of public service and digital transformation.

Topics covered included Civil Service Rules and Ethics, presented by Mrs B. J. Igbinobaro; Best Practices in Financial Management in the Public Sector, delivered by Mr S. T. Obigho; and Future-Proofing: Upskilling Civil/Public Servants for the Automated Economy, presented by Dr Benjamin Ben.

Interactive question-and-answer sessions provided participants with the opportunity to engage resource persons and gain deeper insights into the issues discussed.

The event also featured the onboarding of new ministry staff, conducted by Rita Ehidamem of the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, aimed at familiarising participants with the ministry’s vision, operational procedures, and expectations.

The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Jennifer E. N. Aisuan, who commended participants for their active involvement and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building a digitally skilled and future-ready workforce.

The training forms part of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda and the ministry’s broader efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and promote digital transformation for greater efficiency and a technology-driven Edo State.