Governor Obaseki Inaugurates the Edo Data Centre and Digital Policy Initiative

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has commissioned the state’s digital policy and data center which is said to be the first in Nigeria, aimed at impacting socioeconomic development and inclusive growth.

After the inauguration ceremony of the Edo Data Centre at the Government House in Benin City came the launch of a park and garden on Airport Road.

Edo Data Centre To Foster Technology Use

Obaseki noted that the government is leveraging technology as a catalyst for socio-economic development and inclusive growth.

He said, “I welcome you to the only data center owned by a state in Nigeria. This event is significant because we have started a revolution in Edo State, a digital revolution. We are rounding up with a policy statement that will guide this revolution into the future.

“The population of Edo is skilled towards the youths as they are born in a digital age. The future is digital. It will be difficult to navigate the world today without technology. This is why we created Edo Data Centre.”

“If you want to develop and grow rapidly, you must begin to think of how to use technology.”

The governor stated that the newly introduced digital policy would serve as a guide for driving digital innovation going forward.

He maintained that with a youth-centered population, Edo was uniquely positioned for technological growth, adding that in today’s world, tech literacy was essential for development and progress.

“Global technological advancement is accelerating at a staggering pace, and staying relevant requires strategic foresight.

“Edo has long embraced this mindset, building on its centuries-old tradition of international collaboration.

“This digital evolution reflects the state’s historic role as a knowledge hub. To remain competitive, Edo chose to embrace digital transformation early on, investing in initiatives that empower its youth.

“Programs like EdoJobs and Edo Innovate Hub have trained over 50,000 young men and women, fostering a robust digital ecosystem across the state,” he said.

Also Read: Citidata Expands Nigeria’s Data Centre Market, Plans to Build Six New Data Centres

Conspicuous Benefits of Technology Use In The State

Also, according to him, technology has made it easy for children to learn in school through the EdoBEST program. There are over 400,000 children in the state’s public schools. 

He said, “We have data in all our public schools, teachers, parents and wards of our pupils. Hence, the need for Edo Data Centre.”

“You can go to any of our primary healthcare centers today without seeing your records, especially if you have registered and with our health insurance. Security, healthcare, agriculture, education and other areas, we have introduced technology.

“This policy will help you to understand how to adopt technology in the services you are providing and enhance your earnings.

“Apart from the Edo Data Centre we own as a state, we are also proud that we have the largest and longest fiber optic connection and network in Nigeria. 

There is no local government headquarters in Edo that is not connected with fibers as we are just closing out a fiber connection to over 60 primary healthcare centers and the implication is that we can get doctors, sitting in America and consulting with a doctor here in Nigeria.”

The centre will play a crucial role in enhancing digital transformation as well as creating job opportunities and aiding socioeconomic advancement.

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