The Abia State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu, has reiterated Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to building the capacity of civil servants and equipping them with relevant digital skills for improved efficiency and service delivery.
Ukandu stated this while declaring open a four-day digital skills training programme organised for staff of the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The training, themed “Enhancing Workplace Productivity Through Digital Skills,” is aimed at strengthening the digital competence of workers and preparing them for the demands of the modern workplace.
The Commissioner said the programme was in line with Governor Otti’s vision of transforming the state civil service through digitalisation and technology-driven reforms.
According to him, the administration is committed to building an efficient, transparent and technology-driven civil service capable of delivering world-class services to the people.
He noted that the training goes beyond basic computer operations, as it would expose participants to digital tools and emerging technologies, including data analysis and artificial intelligence, which are increasingly relevant to financial management, policy formulation and service delivery.
Ukandu urged participants to take the training seriously, participate actively and apply the knowledge acquired to their daily duties, stressing that improved individual productivity would contribute to the development of a digitally empowered Abia Civil Service.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Elechi Obi-Chianakwalam, said the programme formed part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to build a modern, innovative and digitally empowered public service.
She urged participants to approach the training with diligence and commitment, noting that relevant digital skills had become essential for improved efficiency and productivity. She also appreciated Governor Otti for providing an enabling environment for workers to develop their capacity.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Justina Oluchi Eboh, commended the Ministry of Finance for embracing innovation and digital knowledge.
Eboh said the state’s transformation agenda required civil servants to continually acquire and improve their computer and digital skills. She expressed confidence that sustained capacity building would advance the Governor’s vision of a digitally transformed Abia State.
Earlier, the Lead Facilitator, Mr. Daniel Onuoha, took participants through “Overview and Computer Appreciation,” covering the fundamentals of computers, their components and their relevance to the digital workplace. The presentation was followed by practical exercises.
In a vote of thanks, the Director of Administration, Mr. Emeka Chionye, PhD, commended the management of the ministry for organising what he described as a timely and strategic programme.
He expressed optimism that the skills acquired would translate into improved productivity, efficiency and service delivery in the Ministry of Finance.
