•Career progression now linked to digital compliance
The Head of Civil Service, Kogi State, Hajiya Falilat Musa, Esq., has declared that digital compliance will now be a major requirement for career progression in the state civil service, including passing prescribed examinations before promotion.
A statement issued by Information Officer, kogi State Head of Service, James Sani, disclosed that Hajiya Falilat stated this on Tuesday in Lokoja while declaring open a 2-day Digital Transformation Training for Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Administration.
The training, held at the Conference Hall of the State Secretariat Complex, was organized by Kogi State Government in collaboration with Tethered Atoms Ltd.
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She said the theme of the training, “From Understanding Digital Transformation to Using the Tools Built for You,” reflects government’s resolve to move away from paper-based operations to a more efficient, technology-driven public service.
According to her, the civil service can no longer afford to operate outside the global digital transition.
The HOS explained that digitalizing government business will make service delivery faster and more transparent. She noted that instead of waiting for physical files to move between offices, official communication can now be transmitted electronically and tracked. She added that digital records will also eliminate hours spent searching through cabinets for documents.
Citing a recent experience, Hajiya Falilat said a communication sent to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja was rejected because it was not transmitted through the prescribed online channels. “That experience was instructive. It showed us clearly that the transition to digital platforms for communication, document management and collaboration is irreversible,” she said.
She listed some of the systems already being deployed under the transformation agenda to include : Smart Kogi App, KogiConnect, KogiVault, the Head of Service Website and Career Portal, as well as a Training and Staff Improvement Management component. She stressed that these tools were not just applications but instruments designed to change how government operates.
Addressing the participants, who are mostly Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Administration, the HOS charged them to see themselves as leaders who must cascade the knowledge gained to their MDAs. She also emphasized the need for a culture of collaboration, noting that delays in one office affect the performance of others and that digital systems will help strengthen inter-agency connections.
In her closing remarks, Hajiya Falilat expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for approving and supporting the programme. She urged participants to participate fully, ask questions, and share ideas for enhancing productivity,“On that note, it is my pleasure to declare the 2-Day Digital Transformation Training officially open,” she concluded.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Training in Industrial and Labour Matters, Mr. Ajibade Babafemi, said the training is designed to build basic competence in the government’s digital agenda.
He added that the participants were expected to leave with fair knowledge of what digital transformation entails and to be prepared to embrace and implement the new systems once they are fully deployed across Ministries, Departments and Agencies. He stressed that a key expectation is for participants to cascade the knowledge to their subordinates in their respective offices.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Administration and Public Service in the Office of the Head of Service, Dr. Aisha Atojoko, described the training as a welcome development. She said the initiative has the potential to significantly improve efficiency, transparency, record management and service delivery across MDAs.
According to her, the adoption of digital systems will help reduce delays, enhance accountability and ensure that government business is conducted in a more structured manner.
In the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr.Aminu Salami, described the 2-day digital training as a timely initiative by the state government.
Mr. Salami commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the initiative, saying the administration has continued to demonstrate commitment to the development of the workforce. “We commend him with trust and confidence. He has been doing well and I know he will do more for Kogi State,” he said.
He added that participants were embracing the programme and look forward to applying the skills gained to improve service delivery in their respective MDAs.
