News
UNESCO Trains Civil Servants On Digital Transformation And Artificial Intelligence
Joel Ajayi
In an era where technology is rapidly reshaping industries, economies, and governance structures, digital transformation has become a necessity rather than a choice. It lies at the core of policy formulation and service delivery in the public sector.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Olubunmi Olusanya emphasized this in Abuja on Monday during a capacity-building workshop on digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), organized by the Ministry, in collaboration with UNESCO.
Represented by Mr. Joseph Oluwole, Director of General Service in the Ministry, Olubunmi in his opening remarks stated that the public sector, being central to governance and service delivery, must evolve to meet the ever-changing expectations of citizens.
“Governments worldwide are increasingly leveraging AI, big data, and digital technologies to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in public service,” he noted.
In his own remarks, Mr. Joshi Manish , Representative of UNESCO highlighted the pervasive impact of digitalization on all aspects of life.
“For digital transformation to succeed, governments must change the way they function and adopt a whole-of-society, inclusive approach. This requires adapting governance models and structures to address the new challenges and opportunities presented by digital technologies,” Manish said.
He further explained that research has revealed significant gaps in digital competencies within governments, particularly in the Global South.He also observed that many digital transformation projects fail not only due to lack of IT infrastructure and policy frameworks but also because of insufficient digital skills within government institutions.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Olagunju Idowu, Secretary-General of NATCOM-UNESCO, stressed that digital transformation is essential for integrating technology into all aspects of governance to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
“Civil servants who undergo this training will improve their problem-solving abilities, prediction and projection skills, as well as overall efficiency in handling future challenges. Additionally, the training will facilitate better data management, transparency, and accountability in government operations,” Idowu stated.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ibidapo Okunnu, Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, highlighted that the training is aimed at equipping management and mid-level officers with essential digital literacy skills to navigate today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“Digital transformation is no longer optional but a necessity for effective communication, governance, and national development,” Okunnu remarked.
He urged participants to share their newly acquired knowledge with colleagues to maximize institutional benefits.
The participants for the training were drawn from staff of both the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Federal Ministry of Information & National Orientation.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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