Upskill From Analogue to Digital, Edo Deputy Speaker Charges Assembly Staff
Worried by the deficiency in Information Communication Technology (ICT) among Edo State House of Assembly staff, the deputy speaker, Mrs. Maria Edekor Wednesday in Benin assured that the lawmakers will soon design a road map and strategic work plan for them so as to upskill their knowledge in Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Speaking during a visit by members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Mrs. Edeko said that it was cause for deep concern that most of the staff are still stuck in the old analogue system instead of being ICT compliant which will go a long way in making them more proficient and improve the quality of government services.
The deputy speaker disclosed that in line with the reality of the 21st century, ministry and judiciary staff are expected to be ICT compliant, noting that Governor Godwin Obaseki long ago digitalised the state public and civil service, moving away from analog to digital economy and e-governance.
Mrs. Edeko, a former Commissioner of Social Development and Gender Issues, added that ICT has tremendously helped workers in the different ministries to automate government services that previously required bureaucratic hurdles.
She lamented: “I am very saddened to see that Edo State House of Assembly staff still operates an analog system. You have been left behind. I have asked my colleagues how an analog system can perform an oversight function over a digital system.
“If you are in Edo State, you will know that your counterpart in the ministries and judiciary have been upskilled and their lives have been transformed.”
The lawmaker continued: “I wonder how someone will get to a directorship level here and yet do not even know how to operate a desktop computer or laptop.
“If you were to be transferred to the ministry or other agency of government in the state, you cannot fit in because you have been left behind technically.”
Mrs. Edekor stated that during her stint as a commissioner she reformed the ministry by training and retraining of staff in ICT, adding that also, as a former lecturer and heads of different bodies such as the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), she is quite aware of how effective service delivery could be, using ICT.
She advised: “Do not be afraid that you might lose your job with the reform that is coming. People are always afraid of change but changes are for your own good. Nobody lost 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.”
The chairman of PASAN, Haruna Farouk said the staff would appreciate the deputy Speaker, if all her promises are fulfilled as they will enhance their performance.
Farouk said: “From all that 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.”
