FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has reassured of Govt’s willingness to partner the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to establish a comprehensive Data Base of citizens to encourage and improve the country’s GDP and growth of the nation.
Dr. Ikpeazu who gave the assurance during the 2022 World National Identity Day celebration in the State held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia said, Govt recognizing that inadequate Data of persons affect effective planning by Govts at all levels, the present administration cued into the NIMC narratives to enable govt ascertain the age brackets and gender of individuals resident in the State for proper budget and planning statistics.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Sir. Ude Oko Chukwu reaffirmed that Govt places much premium on issues bordering on Data collection and automation as the whole essence of governance is hinged on accurate Data procurement and identification of persons which it had already started with TIN and ABSIN.
He commended the Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami for the vigour and impetus his Ministry is putting in place to ensure that people get registered and assured of the State Govt’s support, while congratulating partners in the project on the award bestowed on them.
In his speech, the Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami represented by the Director, Research and Documentation, Dr. Agu Collins Agu who promised to support and collaborate with Abia State Govt in all areas concerning Digital Automation and Transformation aimed at increasing the State’s IGR expressed delight that Abia is taking the lead in National Identity in line with their efforts to reestablish the State as the commercial hub in Eastern Nigeria.
Also in her address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on NIMC, Digital Economy, Ecosystem and Related Matters, Princess Glad Chidinma Apugo Osoagbaka said NIMC in the State has created lots of employment, addressed security issues as well as encouraged the State’s GDP promised not to take the opportunity given her for granted, adding that they will build a digital complex in the State before the end of the Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu’s led administration.
In his remarks, the Chairman on the occasion, Sir. Mark Atasie pointed out that the key component of any Nation is the capacity to recognize and identify one another at any given time through the NIN exercise and disclosed that the Abia State Social Identification Number is replicated in the State in line with modern day identification.
Presenting his goodwill message, a NIMC consultant, Mr. Favour Oditah who was conferred with Best Digital Innovative Supporter of the Year said they are adopting the Identity number and domesticate the National Identification Number in a Database to improve the revenue.
The Delegation had earlier paid a courtesy visit on the Governor while the event featured the conferment of the best performing Digital Governor on Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, the best performing Minister on the Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami and the best Emerging Digital Politician on the PDP Governorship Candidate, Prof. Uche Ikonne among others as well as cutting of the ceremonial cake attracted the presence of members of the State Executive Council, Top Govt Officials, DG BCA, Traditional Rulers and other Notable Personalities.
