Digital Governance: A Harvest Of Awards For Gombe As Presidency Honours Govt Agencies

It was a harvest of awards and honours for Gombe State, as the presidency, through the Bureau for Public Reforms ( BPR), at the weekend rewarded government agencies and individuals for their remarkable achievements in technology and digital innovations.

In a colourful ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Gombe State stood out brilliantly among many federal establishments and state agencies from across the six geopolitical zones, receiving three prestigious awards.

Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS) clinched the coveted “Best State in Geographic Information System” Award, with its Director-General, Dr. Kabiru Usman Hassan, being honored with the “Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award” for his outstanding contributions to the field.

The Gombe State Due Process Office received the best State MDA in innovative Digital Services award. The Director-General of the Agency, Babayola Mohammed Isa, was also recognized with the “Distinguished GovTech Trailblazers’ Award” for his exemplary leadership in advancing GovTech initiatives and digital governance in the public sector.

Further adding to Gombe State’s accolades, Gombe State University (GSU) was recognized as the best State University in Website Operation, a proof of the institution’s commitment to digital excellence. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Aliyu Usman El-nafaty, was honored with the “Distinguished Trailblazer’s Award” for his significant contribution to the advancement of Digital Governance in the education sector.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of Bureau for Public Service Reforms, Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, commended Gombe State Government for its historic and technology achievements, hailing the State as one of the fastest-growing digital economies in Nigeria.

He said the awards for Gombe is a reflection of the State’s commitment to advancing GovTech initiatives, digital governance as well as technological innovation and excellence.

Dr. Arabi revealed that none of the agencies were aware that they were being scrutinized for the awards, explaining that it was sequel to a nationwide nomination and online voting process advertised through radio,  television and newspaper publications.

He said it was initiated to honour and motivate those who develop solutions, initiatives and programmes as well as harnessing technology for the betterment of public services and digital governance.

In their separate remarks after receiving the awards, Dr. Kabiru Usman Hassan and Babayola Mohammed Isa thanked Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his tremendous support to them and their agencies as well as his administration’s interest and investment in digital governance and economy.

The event was graced by secretary to government of the federation,  Sen George Akumem who was represented by the permanent secretary in his office; retired federal permanent secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Daudu, and director-general,  NASREA, Prof  Aliyu Jauro, an illustrious son of Gombe who also received an award at the occasion among other dignitaries.