Tuesday 6 March 2012

‘Eight-point agenda on course in Ekiti’

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has articulated an eight-point agenda for transforming the state. In spite of the challenges the administration inherited, people across the 120 towns and villages now testify to a clean break from the past. In all the sectors, there is no lull in development.




Last week, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Fayemi added another feat as he launched an Integrated Digital Media Channels, which is a case study of digital transformation in the public sector is expected to bridge the communication gap between the administration and Ekiti in the Diaspora.
At the ceremony were Deputy Governor Funmilayo Olayinka, Secretary to Government Dr. Ganiyu Owolabi, Chief of Staff Yemi Adaramodu, Special Adviser on Infrastructural Development and Public Utility Kayode Jegede and Political and Legislative Adviser Karunwi Oladapo.
Through the channels, the governor and other members of the State Executive Council can be contacted for explanations on any aspect of governance. There is no hiding place for indolent aide, since the administration is now an open book, said one of Fayemi’s aides. To ensure that commissioners and special advisers respond swiftly to public enquiries, Fayemi gave them blackberries. He has also been leading by example by staying glued to his laptop. On daily basis, the governor responds to questions and makes clarifications on government activities on demand.
Information and Civic Orientation Commissioner Funminiyi Afuye said the new technology would boost information processing and enhance input-feedback mechanism."This is the first state in the country that passed the Freedom of Information Bill. Now, there is the expansion of access to the government and all its agencies. This will give room for our people at home and abroad to effectively participate in governance through constructive criticisms, assessment, suggestions and contribution of ideas", he added, hailing the governor for the accomplishment.
The Chief Executive Officer of Dymore Vision Consulting Limited and Digital Media Director, Ekiti State Digital Transformation Project, Dr. Anderson Ovie-Emegho, noted at the ceremony which held at the Council Chamber, that the state has become the number two most visited state website in the country. He observed that the recent move had assisted the governor in driving a widely participatory and all-inclusive governance.
The technical expert said, apart from fostering transparency in governance, the device has also assisted Fayemi’s team in building a brand-thought leadership, adding that the state is also being promoted as a destination. Other crucial elements of the digital media channels include branded facebook, mobile website, branded e-mail newsletter, branded you tube channel, branded facebook canvas page, branded twitter handle and branded flicker account.
Emegbo said: "We have not created a website. We have created Ekiti 3.0; a set of robust integrated multimedia digital media channels; online, social, and mobile media; backed by a strong governance strategy. It is the first of its kind within the public sector in Nigeria".
Jegede described the launch as a major achievement in the transformation of governance in Ekiti. He said the new device would foster efficiency, connect citizens to government and affect economy, education, commerce and lifestyle.
The governor was delighted at the formal launch of the new face of Ekiti in the media world. He said: "This is not the first outing of Ekiti on the web. But this is a fastidious government always seeking for improvement. We learn new things and want to do things in a new way".
Fayemi recalled that, following the Governors’ Forum assessment of state websites, Ekiti came third, trailing Cross River and Lagos, adding that, with the new channels, Ekiti now has the best presence on the web in Nigeria.
He added: "This is not fashion or symbolism. It is substance. The goal is effectiveness and efficiency of government. Governance is central in our eight-point agenda and we are doing everything to ensure that the people take leadership and ownership of governance. Criticisms on the facebook should not deter us from doing the right thing".
Fayemi had campaigned on the premise of turning Ekiti into a wireless state. He said, gradually, the vision was being fulfilled with the fibrotic table now in the state capital. He stressed: "We want to bring communication to the doorsteps of every worker. The e- payment has assisted us from moving from N109 million internally generated revenue to N600 million. We also want to know those who really work in Ekiti. That is why we are introducing bio-metrics.
"The one laptop per child in secondary school is on The solar laptops would come this week. The Infrastructure Special Adviser has been working with the Ekiti State University to ensure that the university can effectively make use of the ICT. We will intensify the integrated management system in the health sector.
Fayemi said transformation of Ekiti is a task that must be done. His words: "We want to ensure that we remain focused on our transformation agenda and development priorities. No amount of distraction will deter us from the achievement of our vision and mission".

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