EDSG moves to strengthen digital transformation in public service

The Edo State Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy has convened a stakeholder engagement workshop to advance the state’s digital transformation agenda and strengthen collaboration among key players in the sector.

The workshop, held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy, brought together representatives of ministries, departments and agencies, ICT professionals, development partners and other stakeholders.

The event was hosted by the Honourable Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. Ohimai Ehijimetor, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Jennifer E. N. Aisuan.

In his welcome address, Hon. Ehijimetor reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to driving the digital transformation agenda of the Edo State Government. He said the engagement was organised to foster dialogue, deepen partnerships and generate practical recommendations for the successful implementation of digital initiatives across the state.

According to him, the Ministry remains focused on building a digitally enabled public service that can respond effectively to the needs of citizens, improve governance and support economic growth.

In his goodwill message, the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Osas Okungbowa, commended the Ministry for organising the workshop, describing it as a timely initiative that aligns with the state’s digital transformation drive.

He said the Edo State Government was deploying digital tools to enhance effective service delivery across the public service, noting that the various digital solutions and portals developed by the Ministry would promote efficiency, strengthen governance, improve service delivery and contribute to the economic growth of the state.

Delivering the keynote address on the theme, “Digital Transformation in the Civil Service: Building an Efficient and Responsive Public Service,” the Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, said digital transformation had become imperative for improving service delivery, transparency, accountability and operational efficiency in government.

He noted that the adoption of digital technologies would simplify administrative processes, reduce bureaucracy and enable the civil service to respond more effectively to the needs of citizens.

Hon. Musa urged public servants to embrace innovation, develop digital skills and adopt a culture of continuous learning in order to remain relevant in a rapidly changing work environment.

The workshop also featured a panel discussion on “Future-Ready Civil Service: Harnessing the Digital Economy,” with contributions from Mr. Osahon G. Okoh, Mrs. Isimeme Whyte, Dr. Benjamin Ben, Mr. Osayi Tres Omokaro and Dr. Iyen Joy Akhigbe.

Discussions during the session focused on innovation, digital literacy, institutional readiness and the role of technology in building a modern and responsive public service.

Participants exchanged ideas and practical experiences on how digital technologies could be leveraged to improve governance, boost productivity and enhance public confidence in government institutions.

They also stressed the need for sustained capacity building, investment in digital infrastructure, stronger partnerships and data-driven decision-making to ensure the success of ongoing digital reforms.

The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Ministry’s vision of building a modern, transparent, efficient and digitally enabled civil service for improved governance and service delivery in Edo State.

In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Jennifer E. N. Aisuan, assured participants that the Ministry would translate the recommendations from the workshop into actionable policies and programmes.

She said the Ministry would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to improve governance, strengthen public service delivery and position Edo State as a digital hub in the South-South region.

Beyond the deliberations, participants noted that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda was laying a solid foundation for a digitally enabled Edo State, where innovation drives governance, institutions operate with excellence and technology becomes central to sustainable development and shared prosperity.