By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Head of Service, Theodora Okwy Igwegbe, has commended the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo over e- Identification
Scheme for the state’s civil servants.
She also hailed the Director General ICT Agency , Mr Chukwuemeka Frank Agbata, for his ingenuity in packaging the scheme.
The HOS stated these during the public presentation of the Anambra State civil service E-ID card scheme held on Friday at the Head of Service Conference Hall, at the Jerome Udorji Secretariat, Awka Anambra State.
Igwebe said, “In the digital age, the implementation of e-government initiatives has become imperative for efficient and transparent governance. An essential aspect of this transformation is the adoption of e-identification schemes, which provide secure and reliable verification of individuals’ identities.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that Anambra State can greatly benefit from the implementation of such a scheme for its civil servants. One of the primary benefits of an e-identification scheme is the improved efficiency it brings to administrative processes.
“Traditional identification methods reliant on physical documents and manual verifications, 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 and reducing bureaucratic delays.
“This automation not only saves time but also enables civil servants to 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.
“Physical documents are susceptible to loss, theft, or forgery, posing a considerable risk to the integrity of the system. With e-identification, each civil servant is assigned a unique digital identity, backed by robust encryption protocols and authentication mechanisms.
“This ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information or conduct transactions, reducing the likelihood of identity theft and fraudulent activities. By safeguarding personal data and maintaining the privacy of civil servants, an e-identification scheme establishes a secure environment for effective governance.
Continuing, the Head of Service said, “Accountability is a crucial aspect of any well-functioning civil service. An e-identification scheme provides a comprehensive audit trail, enabling the tracking and monitoring of activities performed by civil servants. Through this digital system, Anambra State can establish a transparent framework that records interactions, transactions, and decision-making processes.
“This fosters a culture of accountability by deterring corrupt practices and ensuring that civil servants are held responsible for their actions.
“Furthermore, the availability of accurate and reliable data assists in the evaluation of performance, enabling the identification of areas that require improvement and facilitating evidence-based decision-making.
“This scheme can significantly enhance service delivery for Anambra State civil servants. By digitizing identification processes, civil servants can access government services more conveniently, reducing paperwork and minimizing the need for physical presence. This digital transformation empowers civil servants to engage in online training, access relevant resources, and collaborate remotely, thereby facilitating professional development and fostering knowledge-sharing within the civil service.
“Moreover, streamlined processes and faster turnaround times result in improved public service delivery, ultimately benefiting the citizens of Anambra State.While the implementation of an e-identification scheme brings numerous advantages, it is essential to acknowledge and address potential challenges. Some of the common concerns include data security, infrastructure readiness, and digital literacy.
To mitigate these challenges, robust cybersecurity measures are being put in place, including encryption, firewalls, and regular audits.
The HOS said in addition, investments should be made in developing the necessary digital infrastructure, such as reliable internet connectivity and provision of WiFi, adding,” Simultaneously, training and capacity-building programs should be implemented to enhance digital literacy among civil servants and ensure a smooth transition to the e-identification scheme.
She said,”The government of Anambra State is working assiduously towards the mitigation of these challenges. Optic fibres are being laid, and in no distant time, free WiFi will be provided for us.In conclusion, despite these challenges, implementation of the e-identification is being realised today as we have been able to surmount the difficulties.
“The motivation to birth a modern civil service that really delivers on the manifesto of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR is more than enough to trump any implementation challenges that may be encountered. I applaud the efforts and ingenuity of ANSICTA in creating this laudable scheme and finally, thank immensely the Governor of Anambra State for approving this wonderful initiative.
Speaking, the Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Christian Udechukwu, the DG ANSICTA, Fed Agbata, and others who spoke separately, gave glowing tributes to Prof Soludo for the initiatives of making the civil servants to experience modern technology.
