The Ondo State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has inaugurated ICT TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP (TWG) to drive technological advancement of the state.
Inaugurating the TWG in Akure, Ondo state capital, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT, Hon. Tomide Akinribido said the inauguration of the group is in line with the agenda of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure that the state’s socioeconomy is ICT driven.
According to him, “we are in an era where technology is not just a tool but a transformative force that permeates every aspect of our lives. Therefore, the formation of this technical working group is not only timely but also essential as we seek to strategically position Ondo state at the forefront of technological growth in Africa.
As part of terms of reference of the group, Hon. Akinribido urged them to facilitate the process of developing a state IT policy that will enhance support and guidance for the initiatiation and implementation of IT projects, facilitate the development of digital economy strategy roadmap and action plan for the state, and undertake any other process, including regular meetings, strategy sessions and retreats that will give positive effect to digital transformation within the state.
The chairman of the TWG who doubles as the Permanent Secretary of SITA, Dr.(Mrs) Folukemi Aladenola assured that the team will come out with excellent solutions to some of the state’s ICT challenges,she stressed that the group consists experts and bright minds from various sectors and backgrounds,and will create a robust roadmap for a sustainable ICT development in Ondo state.
To achieve this, the Permanent Secretary explained that “We must work closely with various stakeholders, agencies, private sectors, academic institutions and civil society organizations to achieve our goals.”
As she put it, “we must prioritize the development of e-governance platforms that will streamline government processes, increase transparency, accountability and due process. By adopting innovative ICT solutions, we can make our public administration more efficient and responsive to the needs of the residents of the state.”
Welcoming the participants, the SITA Director of Planning, Mr Oluwadaisi Omotuke said the group represents a significant step towards harnessing power of ICT to improve public service, enhance economic growth and ensure the digital inclusion of all the citizens.
In their goodwill messages, some of the participants allayed the fear that deployment of digital technology may lead to loss of jobs.
Leading in this regard is Dr. Adeola Oladele of the Federal University of Technology Akure who explained that ICT will provide more jobs because of its unique opportunities instead of job losses.
In the same vein, a senior program analyst in the Ministry of Economic Planning, Mrs. R.K. Ayeni while stating the abundant opportunities in ICT urged the youths to key into it.
Sola Obagbemisoy
Press Officer
State Information Technology Agency (SITA) Akure
August 28th,2024