In a bid to strengthen governance and service delivery, Abia State Government, has officially opened the Abia State Data and Identity for Governance Workshop at the Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia. The workshop is part of the state’s “One Data, One Identity, One Government” initiative.
In his address,Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR,ably represented by his, Deputy Governor , Ikechukwu Emetu FNSE emphasized the critical role of accurate data and a harmonized identity framework in modern governance. He noted that without reliable data, planning becomes guesswork, and service delivery risks fragmentation.
“The theme is not just a slogan; it is a transformational blueprint,” Otti said. “It seeks to integrate and harmonize data systems across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, eliminate duplication, enhance transparency, and ensure that government decisions are measurable, accountable, and impactful.”
His Excellency, highlighted that a unified data architecture would enable the state to track performance, allocate resources efficiently, boost internally generated revenue, strengthen social protection systems, and deliver public services with precision.
Gov Otti ,also commended the Ministry of Budget and Planning, the Office of the Chief Information Officer, the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser, development partners, and federal agencies for their collaboration in driving the initiative, describing it as an example of how leadership and technical expertise can converge to achieve reform.
The workshop, according to Otti , is expected to be practical and solution-oriented, addressing operational realities, integration challenges, capacity gaps, and digital identification requirements. Its outcome will be a scalable and secure framework to support the strategic objectives of every agency in the state.
“Distinguished participants, the future of governance is digital, the future of planning is analytical, and the future of accountability is data-based. Abia State is ready to lead in this direction,” he declared, officially opening the workshop on behalf of the Governor.
Earlier in his remark, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Emmanuel Mmeribole, stressed that governance must guide technology, not the other way round. He warned that disconnected data systems create conflicting planning baselines, revenue leakages, and slow executive decision-making. He said the reform would institutionalize a unified data governance structure, identity-led integration, privacy compliance, executive dashboards, and a revitalized Bureau of Statistics.
In his remark also,the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Kingsley Anosike, described the current fragmented system as “flying in a storm without radar.” He called for a single source of data truth to eliminate duplication, reduce costs, enhance credibility, and strengthen investor confidence.
According to him, citizens currently appear as multiple identities across different agencies, undermining effective service delivery.
In his presentation, the Chief Information Officer, Sir Gerald Ilokwe, underscored the role of structured data in governance and investment attraction. He advocated for a “single view of government” where citizens provide their information once, and agencies access it securely when needed. He also highlighted digital identity as fundamental to inclusion, transparency, and efficient public service.
The workshop brought together sector leaders from agriculture, health, education, lands, revenue, and social protection, with a focus on building a secure, interoperable, and scalable data ecosystem to support Abia’s long-term development strategy.
The initiative marks a significant step toward a more transparent, accountable, and evidence-driven administration in Abia State.
Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent Office of the Deputy Governor.
19/02/2026
