Information and Communication Technology as a tool for development in Edo State

It is already widely accepted that Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) are an important enabler of growth through the wealth creation, increased productivity and the creation of opportunities.

In the information society where progress and power depends on information and knowledge, the role of ICT becomes even more critical.

For a state like Edo State, the importance of deploying ICT in every facet of administration, cannot be overemphasized. This will what informed the creation of the Information and Communication Technology unit by comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Since the advent of the internet in the early 90’s, the barriers of information were drastically and instantaneously removed at a global scale. The world has reached the age of web 2. 0 with the possibility for individuals who know how to use the computer to create a good personal website and multimedia blogs that are accessible to the entire planet in a matter of minutes. Interaction with the audience, readers and internet surfers in general has also expanded with options for any individual whether known or unknown to send online comments whether moderated or not, from any region of the world.

 ICT was critical in ensuring that most of the revenue due to the government was paid to its coffers, for any government around the world, the main source of funding is tax collection. the money is saved from the use of ICT via the use of biometrics audit and verification to record details of the government's employees, thus eliminating ghost workers and those who falsified their data. Edo State government will now be able to save the salaries usually paid to falsified workers and those promoting their levels. It is based on this and other reasons that Edo State is embarking on a Staff Audit and Verification Exercise (Project SAVE). This saved money can now be used to embark on massive developmental projects that will positively affect the lives of the people of the state.