Open Letter to Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State »

Subject: Commendation for the Establishment of the Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology and Proposal for Kogi State Information Technology Development Agency (KGITDA)

Your Excellency,

I am writing to express my sincere commendation for the establishment of the Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology in Kogi State. This bold and forward-thinking initiative underscores your dedication to driving progress and development in our state through the promotion of innovation and technological advancement.

In light of this commendable effort, I wish to propose the establishment of the Kogi State Information Technology Development Agency (KGITDA). The establishment of KGITDA is crucial as it will play a pivotal role in advancing ICT in the state and fostering holistic development. As has been demonstrated in Plateau State, the presence of such an agency has significantly contributed to the growth of their technology sector and overall development.

The benefits of establishing KGITDA in Kogi State are manifold and could include but are not limited to:

Automation of processes in the State MDAs: The agency will facilitate the automation of various processes within the state government, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
Increase in state revenue: By leveraging technology, KGITDA can help identify new revenue streams and enhance existing ones, thereby bolstering the state’s financial resources.
Blocking leakages in state MDAs: Through the implementation of robust technological solutions, KGITDA can help identify and seal off avenues for financial leakages in various government departments.
Implementation of a central database for indigene certificate creation: This innovative approach will not only streamline the process of indigene certificate issuance but also provide a comprehensive database system that can be utilized for revenue generation and administrative purposes.
Providing a data center for state data backup: This will ensure that critical state data is securely backed up and readily accessible, thereby enhancing data security and disaster recovery capabilities.
Making the internet available in the state: Access to the internet is fundamental for socio-economic growth, and KGITDA can play a pivotal role in ensuring widespread internet access within Kogi State.
Supporting KGIRS to access vital information on revenue: By providing the necessary technological infrastructure, KGITDA can empower the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) with the data and tools needed to optimize revenue collection and management.

I firmly believe that the creation of KGITDA will catalyze a paradigm shift in the ICT landscape of Kogi State and provide an enabling environment for local technology developers to thrive and create innovative applications that can drive the state’s economy.

Your Excellency, I urge you to consider this proposal as a critical step toward positioning Kogi State as a hub for technological advancement and a catalyst for overall development. The establishment of KGITDA will align with the vision of the Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology and contribute significantly to the realization of our state’s developmental goals.

Thank you for your time and unwavering dedication to the progress of Kogi State.

Yours sincerely,

C.itp Ezekiel Adeiza Rock
Director, ICT
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja
MNCS, MCPN