Otti Tasks Stakeholders on Unified Data Architecture at Abia State Data and Identity Workshop

Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has tasked stakeholders and participants on a unified data architecture to track performance and deliver public services with precision and speed.

Otti spoke on Thursday, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, while declaring open a one day Abia State Data and Identify for Governance Workshop organised for stakeholders in the public service.

The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu maintained that governance in the 21st century must be anchored on credible data and a reliable identity system.

“In an era where economies thrive on information, Abia State cannot afford to operate in silos,” Otti said.

“A unified data architecture will empower us to track performance, allocate resources more efficiently, improve internally generated revenue, strengthen social protection systems, and deliver public services with precision and speed.

He noted that the workshop was a deliberate and strategic step towards correcting the gaps lack of data have caused, and positioning Abia State for intelligent, evidence-based governance.

“Distinguished participants, the future of governance is digital. The future of planning is analytical. The future of accountability is data-based. Abia State is ready to lead in this direction,”
Gov. Otti emphasised.

According to the Governor, the theme, “One Data, One Identity, One Government” initiative is not merely a slogan.

“It is a transformational blueprint. It seeks to integrate and harmonise data systems across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies; eliminate duplication; enhance transparency; improve policy formulation; and ultimately ensure that government decisions are measurable, accountable, and impactful,” the governor added.

In his speech, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole stressed the need to build integrated data architecture in service delivery,
noting that decisions can no longer rely on assumptions or fragmented evidence.

“For us to plan effectively and allocate resources to them, monitor our funds accurately, and deliver services efficiently, we must build an integrated data architecture anchored on a reliable identity system,” he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Kingsley Anosike regretted that fragmented data is actively harming the state, noting that with a one single source of data, Abia state government would perform much more better than it is doing at present.

Mr Anosike encouraged all participants to engage openly, and contribute constructively in the workshop.

“Whether we are talking to PIN or PACE or World Bank or whoever we are talking to. We can mine from the same source. And our development partners can be sure that this source is secure and it is credible,” Mr Anosike maintained.

The Chief Information Officer of the State, Mr Gerald Ilukwe in a technical presentation, emphasised the Importance of accurate data and factors that enhance accurate data for development.

The workshop, with the theme of the workshop, “One Citizen One Identity, Unlocking Data-driven Governance,” drew participants from Ministries Departments and Agencies, including top government officials.