On a notable day for technological advancement in Edo State, the local government solidified its commitment to digital innovation by entering into a partnership with the esteemed Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the Government House in Benin City, marking the launch of the Foundation’s Digilink Programme.
The Digilink Programme is designed to be a catalyst for Nigeria’s digital revolution, aiming to establish a structured “digital lab” model that will bolster the public sector’s ability to implement digital reforms and devise digital strategies for pivotal developmental goals.
Governor Godwin Obaseki, expressing gratitude for the Foundation’s ongoing support, emphasized the pivotal role of technology in his administration’s reform agenda. “Technology is the life wire of the new Edo state,” he stated, underscoring its significance in enhancing operational efficiency, fostering communal advancement, generating wealth, and establishing robust institutions.
In the post-pandemic era, Mr. Obaseki underscored the increasing necessity of integrating technology into both professional and daily routines. He ambitiously envisions Edo State as the premier destination for work and living in Africa by 2050, a vision propelled by the proactive adoption of innovative tools and methodologies.
The governor described the Digilink Programme as a milestone in Edo State’s digital transformation journey, reflecting the administration’s strategic commitment to technology. He revealed a comprehensive strategic technology roadmap, detailing specific objectives and a clear trajectory towards realizing the state’s aspirations, with a focus on infrastructure, education, and innovation.
Mr. Obaseki also credited the state’s technological strides over the past six years to fruitful collaborations with the private sector and international organizations. “We are very intentional in making Edo a destination of choice for digital solutions,” he declared, highlighting the Digilink Programme as a cornerstone in the state’s ongoing digital evolution.
Carol Welch, Director and Chief of Staff for Global Growth and Opportunity at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, lauded the governor’s warm welcome and expressed the Foundation’s conviction in the transformative power of innovation. “Today, we begin a partnership with the Edo state government and our informative partners and grantees, ACIOE and Public Digital, to demonstrate what enhanced digital capability in the public sector can accomplish,” she remarked, envisioning the Digilink initiative as a pioneering multi-stakeholder hub to advance digital reform across various sectors, including education, health, agriculture, and government services.
