Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR has launched the Solution Electronic Identification Card (EID) for civil servants and other government employees of Anambra State.
The function which took place at the Head of Service Conference Hall, Jerome Udorji Secretariat, Awka featured a demo-presentation of the State E-ID card which will be known as Solution E-ID card.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Okwy Igwegbe (mni), stressed that the implementation of e-government initiatives has become imperative for efficient and transparent governance. She pointed out that an essential aspect of this transformation is the adoption of this e-identification scheme, which provide secure and reliable verification of individuals’ identities with improved efficiency devoid of bureaucratic processes.
In her words “Traditional identification methods reliant on physical documents and manual verification are time-consuming and prone to errors. By adopting an e-identification scheme, Anambra State civil servants can streamline their interactions with various government agencies, eliminating repetitive paperwork bureaucratic delays”. She further pointed out that “Civil servants can now focus on their core responsibilities, ultimately enhancing productivity across board”.
“The implementation of an e-identification scheme significantly strengthens the security measures surrounding civil service operations, enables the tracking and monitoring of activities performed by civil servants, and significantly enhance service delivery for Anambra State civil servants”.
“Furthermore, challenges with data security, infrastructure readiness, and digital literacy will be adequately addressed in due time as the State is in the process of rolling out programmes on cyber security measures and the provision of appropriate infrastructure such as optic fiber internet connectivity, public Wifi beginning with the secretariat complex, and capacity-building programs to enhance digital literacy among civil servants.”
She appreciated Mr. Governor for approving this wonderful initiative as well as the MD/CEO Anambra ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata for creating a laudable scheme that is in tune with the times.
The MD/CEO Anambra ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata in his remarks, described the Solution E-ID card as a robust and limitless system. He applauded the ingenuity of the final year students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, who are integral to the development of the Solution e-ID Card, as a result of their internship with the ICT Agency, for their immense contributions. He said that the entire feat was achieved from the Agency’s strong determination to give Mr. Governor 100% support in actualising his vision of “Everything Technology and Technology everywhere”.
CFA pointed out that the Solution E-ID card was made possible through collaboration between the State Government and Academia riding on the Agency’s Solution Internship Programme that was launched earlier in the year; a proof of the state government’s willingness to work with anyone genuinely interested in contributing to the transformation of Anambra State through technology.
Mr. Agbata appreciated the efforts of Mr. Governor to promote access to technology in all areas of the public sector, adding that the overall positive impact that this initiative will have on Ndi Anambra in general is limitless.
“The era of fake government employees is gone for good because for the first time in the history of Anambra state and under the visionary leadership of Governor Soludo, civil servants and all other Government Employees can now easily identify themselves on the go while government and citizens can equally identify them with ease”.
Salient features of the Solution E-ID Card include, but are not limited to QR-Code for verification, Implementation of Access Levels, and query feedback mechanism for data and privacy protection.
He reiterated that the soon to be established State Public Wi-fi will enhance access to the internet, stating that civil servants will no longer have to depend on their personal data to carry out official duties or lose productive work hours seeking internet access in public cyber cafes.
The Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu who was also present at the event described the initiative as cutting edge; one that will provide lots of possibilities on the go via mobile phones. In his words “This is a game changer for identity management in the state, one that sets the Anambra workforce ahead of their counterparts in other states in Nigeria while setting them at par with their global counterparts”.
He went on to thank Governor Soludo for keeping pace and consistently driving positive technological change for Ndi Anambra through the state ICT Agency. He added that with the Solution E-ID card, impersonation will be eliminated and service delivery will become seamless.
The event also played host to the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, some permanent secretaries, and high ranking management personnel of MDAs, among other Civil Servants.