Digital Ticketing Improving Sports Administration, Boosting Abia’s Revenue, Says Umuahia-based Technology Expert, Etie

A technology expert based in Umuahia, Abia State, Dr Arinze Pastra Etie, has said that digital innovation is improving sports administration and boosting revenue in Abia State.

Etie, who is also the Group Managing Director of Bems Soft Group, was speaking in an interactive session with newsmen in Umuahia.

He pointed out that the development is beneficial to both the government and citizens, noting that technology is creating new economic and social opportunities.

Etie explained that the introduction of digital ticketing for clubs like Enyimba FC and Abia Warriors has significantly increased revenue, with earnings rising by up to 100% compared to the old manual system.

“When it was manually done, collections in terms of inflow were nearly out of there. But since the intervention through digital automation for revenue collection by His Excellency, followed by BIR and our communications matters, we have seen a rapid up to 100 or more percent in that improvement,” Etieh said.

“So it would therefore mean that the government would then have more money to spend on sports innovation and development.”

“Let me talk about revenue collection. Abia is on the forefront of revenue digitalisation.

Etieh maintained that the State government under Governor Alex Otti is redefining governance, improving revenue generation and positioning Abia as a model for other States.

He noted that the introduction of technology-driven systems has simplified revenue processes, reduced human interference and enhanced efficiency in public finance management.

He cited the introduction of a consolidated demand notice as a major breakthrough in the State’s revenue ecosystem.

“The consolidated demand notice, I can tell you, is the first of its kind in Nigeria where every revenue, be it to the State or the Local Government, is consolidated into one formula, into one document, and is electronically served.

“What happens is that you wake up in the morning and the system sends you a message that your consolidated demand notice with certain information is ready for payment and gives you a payment link. So from the comfort of your business, you fulfil your obligations,” he said.

Etie noted that the reform has eliminated the previous burden on business owners, who were often subjected to multiple and sometimes conflicting tax demands.

The technology expert attributed the transformation to the administration of Governor Otti, describing the Governor as “very innovative” and committed to using technology as a pathway to economic growth.