joshua
FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
The Edo state Deputy speaker Maria Edekor on Tuesday called on members of the Edo State House of Assembly Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to upskill their knowledge in Information Communication Technology (ICT) so as to expand their capabilities.
Edekor, who made the call when members of the association visited her at the assembly complex in Benin, said being ICT compliant would make them more proficient in their duties and improve quality of government services.
She noted that governor Godwin Obaseki had digitalised the state public and civil service adding that the state had moved away from analog to digital economy and e-governance.
Edekor said “this is the 21st century and every staff working in the ministry and in the judiciary are ICT compliant. ICT has helped workers in the ministry to automate government services that previously required bureaucratic hassles.
Edekor further stated that as a former commissioner in the ministry of Social development and Gender issues, she reformed the ministry by training and retraining of all staff in ICT.
She explained that she had worked in different capacities as a lecturer, commissioner and heads of different bodies such as the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) adding that she knew how effective service delivery could be, using ICT.
“Many of my staff then that we trained, some of them have gotten job with international organization because of the digital skills they acquired while working in Edo state.
People are always afraid of change and the changes are for your own good. Do not be afraid that you might lose your job with the reform that is coming. Nobody lost their job in the ministry where the digital reforms started. I am able to function in different capacities because of the experiences I have gathered in ICT over the years.
According to her, the EdoBEST programme in the state is a testimony of how digitalised system can enhance productivity and performance. Edo teachers can comfortably compete with their counterparts anywhere in the world using ICT.
The deputy Speaker noted that she would be working with the Speaker and other members of the house to design a road map and strategic work plan for the assembly. And by the special grace of God, She is going to work with everybody and will begin to advocate seriously for their upskilling by training them to become ICT compliant.
Earlier, the chairman of PASAN, Haruna Farouk said the staff would appreciate the deputy Speaker, if all she had said would be carried out to enhance their performance.
He stated that, from all you have said, we can see that you have the welfare of staff at heart. We will gladly make ourselves available for the ICT training so that we are not left behind.
