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By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh.
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has announced that the state civil service will be fully digitalised by 2026, a bold reform he described as a major leap toward efficient, transparent and technology-driven governance.
The governor made the disclosure at the end-of-year thanksgiving and award ceremony organised to honour retired civil servants of the Government House Administration in Lokoja.
Represented by the Head of Service, Dr Elijah Evenemi, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to build a modern civil service where innovation thrives, productivity is rewarded and workers operate in unity and gratitude to God.
He described thanksgiving as a gateway to greater achievements, noting that the ceremony was not only an opportunity to appreciate God but also to celebrate dedication, perseverance and years of faithful service to Kogi State.
Speaking at the event, Dr Evenemi said the year had been marked by hard work, resilience and notable milestones, despite prevailing economic and administrative challenges.
He highlighted significant improvements in staff welfare under the Ododo administration, attributing them to people-centred policies such as the prompt payment of salaries and sustained investments in training and capacity-building across ministries, departments and agencies.
The Head of Service disclosed that the state has commenced the transition from manual to digital personnel records, stressing that by next year, all civil service records would be fully automated.
He expressed optimism that the digitalisation drive will simplify key administrative processes, including promotions, transfers and personal data updates, while eliminating repeated physical submissions and time-consuming verification procedures.
“This reform is in line with global best practices and has the full approval and backing of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo,” Dr Evenemi said.
He further assured workers of the administration’s unwavering commitment to their welfare,peace and security, noting that the state government, in collaboration with federal authorities and security agencies, is intensifying efforts to curb insecurity and guarantee a safe and stable working environment.
Dr Evenemi commended the organisers of the programme and praised the Director-General, Government House Administration, Alhaji Shuibu Oricha Umar, for his exemplary leadership and dedication to duty, offering prayers for wisdom and strength to enable him do even more for the state.
He congratulated all award recipients and urged staff to remain diligent and committed, assuring them that excellence and hard work would always be recognised and rewarded.
In her remarks, the Director, Government House Administration, Pastor Praise Akubo, thanked staff for their support and cooperation since she assumed office, urging them to remain steadfast in their duties to enhance effective service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, a former Director of Government House Administration, Mrs Comfort Bello, expressed deep appreciation to the management and staff of Government House for the support and cooperation she enjoyed throughout her years of service.
She thanked Governor Ododo for his leadership, prayed for sustained peace and security in Kogi State, and asked for God’s protection over all participants.
In their goodwill messages, the Director of Protocol, Government House, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, and the Director-General of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Princess Nana Hawau Yussuf, commended Governor Ododo for creating an environment that allows civil servants to perform optimally.
They encouraged retirees to continue mentoring serving officers and sharing their wealth of experience.
The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to outstanding staff, including Mrs Comfort Bello, in recognition of her exemplary service and invaluable contributions to the Government House Administration.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
