By Oluyemi Israel
Governor Ahmed Ododo, speaking through his deputy, Joel Salifu, kicked off a Monday workshop in Lokoja by urging everyone to start using modern digital tools in government projects.
He explained that online reporting platforms, mobile apps, and real-time dashboards will make every project more transparent and hold teams accountable. By tracking budgets and progress on screen, public funds can be spent wisely and project results can reach the people who need them most.
The training was organized by consulting firm Trendtech for the Project Implementation Units (PIUs) handling World Bank–supported projects in Kogi State. State Accountant General Habibat Onumoko joined the session to offer leadership on coordinating and monitoring these efforts.
Ododo stressed that each new road, school, or clinic must deliver clear value, boosting the economy and improving citizens’ lives, or it simply won’t move forward under his watch. He warned that any project lacking real impact will be cut.
To build the skills needed, PIU officers dove into hands, on exercises on using digital dashboards to spot delays, mobile tools to report issues instantly, and cloud systems to share updates with stakeholders. These innovations, he said, will tackle common bottlenecks and bring Kogi projects up to global standards.
Looking ahead, the governor promised more capacity-building workshops to foster a culture of excellence in public service. With everyone on board—officials, consultants, and community members, Ododo believes Kogi can deliver faster, smarter, and more people-focused results.
By embracing these digital solutions and working together, the state is set to transform how projects are planned, tracked, and completed, ensuring every naira counts and every citizen benefits.