Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The state Commissioner of Mines and Energy, Hon. Donatus Ojiefoh, has said that state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki digital reforms in bringing about e-governance in the state civil service sector has saved it a mouth tearing sum of N60 billion, an amount that would have been expended in the procurement of office stationary.
Ojiefoh in an interview with newsmen in Benin City also disclosed that the state government reforms in the electricity and the solid mineral sectors has repositioned the state as one of the most businesses friendly in Nigeria.
He noted that sustaining the state government reforms and achievements, voters in the forthcoming September 21st governorship election should not make the mistake of voting a candidate that lacks understanding in investment and development.
He said harnessing maximally the abundant mineral resources, the state government has registered the Edo State Mining and Investment Company and has obtained 40 mining licenses adding that government reforms put in place has continued to yield positive results.
“If Obaseki was the governor before now Edo state would have been one of the richest state in the federation. It is crystal clear that the next governor that is coming must be able to march Obaseki shoes , somebody that understands investment and development status of the state at the moment.
“Edo state is ten years ahead of other states apart from Lagos . Edo has put over 20 million files into the e-governance structure since the state was created and is the only state operating 100 per cent e-governance thereby the delay and bureaucracy in governance is over.
“Obaseki has saved over N60 billion for Edo State just on office stationary alone. Whatever paper you see in my office are external papers or files. It takes a man with potent brain that understand saving system to achieve that and we are the only state in Nigeria that has completely moved from analogue to digital”.