In a spirited closing ceremony, the Honorable Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Justin Atiang Beshel, has congratulated the participants at the just concluded training programme for civil servants for their dedication and perseverance throughout a groundbreaking training programme aimed at transforming g o v e r n a n c e in Cross River State. Speaking during the send forth ceremony of the first batch of trainees at the University of Calabar he emphasized that the interest and nominations previously announced reflect a growing commitment to innovation that Governor Otu has championed.
The commissioner highlighted the government’s goal of digitalizing the civil service to enhance transparency and accessibility, ultimately attracting investors to the State. Beshel used the occasion to announce plans for infrastructure investments in various Ministries, Departments, and agencies to support the e-governance initiatives, adding that more civil servants would be selected for further training in Korea to strengthen their expertise. Encouraging teamwork and collaboration, he urged participants to view their certificates not just as accolades but as symbols of their commitment to fostering a progressive government.
In his closing remarks, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Duru Jebb, noting the exceptional qualities found in Cross River congratulated the trainees for being the first to acquire the skills which he stressed must trickle down to the grassroots. He highlighted a Memorandum of Understanding signed with KOICA, which focuses on government Service Portals, capacity building, and enterprise architecture for the 2022- 2026 Period and further praised the active participation of the trainees, calling on them to serve as ambassadors for e-government in the State.
Also speaking, the Honorable Commissioner for Wealth Creation , Mr. Patrick Egede, recognized the intiative’s potential for empowering citizens and encouraged participants to share their new found knowledge with their colleagues, reiterating the government’s commitment to skill development.
In his appreciation message, one of the trainees, John Okon expressed gratitude to KOICA and other partners for the invaluable training, assuring readiness to collaborate with the government in advancing these initiatives.
This programme marks a significant step towards a more transparent and efficient governance model, engaging citizens in the journey of digital transformation.
Patricia Oli
