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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia state government said it has embraced digital governance to improve efficiency, service delivery, and to align with the detects of the demands of the 21st Century.
The State also said it is partnering the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to ensure sustainable infrastructural development and adherence to professional standards in the State.
Governor Alex Otti made these known in his office while receiving officials of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), and COREN who paid him courtesy visits at different times.
Governor Otti told the visiting CCB officials that because the state has embraced digital governance, “even Certificates of Occupancy are processed and signed electronically.”
He stated that those who failed to adapt to technological changes risked being left behind.
Otti lauded CCB for moving towards digitisation of assets declaration processes which he said aligns with global best practices and the Abia State government’s reform agenda.
“We look forward to a situation where someone can sit in the comfort of his home, fill the form and return it electronically; that is where the world has gone.
Otti, stressing the importance of the CCB in Nigeria’s democratic system, said compliance with asset declaration should be a minimum standard for every public office holder, adding that, no public officer has any excuse for non-compliance.
The Governor disclosed that he and his deputy had complied with that constitutional requirement.
The Zonal Director, Code of Conduct Bureau, Southeast zone, Mr Akinfolarin Feyishola, while commending Governor Otti on his achievements that are visible and making news all over the country, said that, he was in the State to intimate him on the existence of the office in the Code of Conduct Bureau in the Southeast zone and Umuahia too.
He told the Governor that the bureau had stopped issuing physical asset declaration forms as was previously done.
“The Code of Conduct is no more issuing out asset declaration forms like we did when you were coming into office.
“We are about automating the whole system now. We are going online, and maybe in about the third quarter of the year, we are going to be fully online.”
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Meanwhile, Governor has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening and strengthening collaboration with COREN to ensure sustainable infrastructural development and adherence to professional standards in the State.
Governor Otti gave this assurance while receiving in audience, a delegation of COREN, led by its Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Austin Uche.
The Governor described COREN as a critical professional body at the forefront of engineering regulation and national development, emphasising the importance of maintaining high standards in engineering practice.
Gov. Otti said his administration was willing to partner with COREN, particularly in the areas of monitoring and maintaining infrastructure projects across the State.
“This government will do everything possible to partner with you. We wholeheartedly accept your offer to assist us, even in monitoring infrastructural development.”
On the deplorable state of the road leading to the COREN office in Ndume, Umuahia, the Governor directed the DG, Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA)to assess the situation and revert to government for appropriate intervention
“I have taken note of your requests, particularly the provision of a vehicle and the rehabilitation of the road leading to your office.
“We run a responsible, budget-driven government, but we will explore ways to address these needs. If it does not happen this year, it will certainly be captured in subsequent budgets.
“Our team will immediately take a look at the road and decide whether it will be handled through direct labour or contract.
“We have competent engineers delivering excellent results, and we are confident the issue will be resolved,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of COREN, Professor Uche, commended Governor Otti for his visionary leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructure development across Abia State.
He noted that visible improvements in roads, public facilities, and institutional reforms have significantly enhanced professional practice, stimulated economic growth, and improved the quality of life for residents.
Professor Uche explained that COREN, established by law in 1970, is mandated to regulate engineering training and practices across Nigeria, stressing the need for collaboration with the State government to ensure compliance with standards and sustainability of infrastructure.
