The Nigerian Presidency, under the Bureau for Public Reforms, has honoured Gombe State agencies and individuals for their remarkable achievements in technology and digital innovations.
In a colourful ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Gombe State, in Northeast Nigeria, stood out brilliantly among many Federal establishments and state agencies from across the six geopolitical zones, receiving three prestigious awards.
The agencies are the Gombe Geographic Information System, GOGIS, which clinched the coveted “Best State in Geographic Information System” Award, with its Director-General, Dr. Kabiru Usman Hassan, was honoured with the “Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award” for his outstanding contributions to the field.
Also, the Gombe State Due Process Office received the best State MDA in innovative Digital Services award, whilst its Director-General, Babayola Mohammed Isa, was also recognized with the “Distinguished GovTech Trailblazers’ Award” for his exemplary leadership in advancing GovTech initiatives and digital governance in the public sector.
Additionally, Gombe State University was recognized as the best State University in Website Operation, proof of the institution’s commitment to digital excellence.
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Aliyu Usman El-nafaty, was honoured with the “Distinguished Trailblazer’s Award” for his significant contribution to the advancement of Digital Governance in the education sector.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Bureau for Public Service Reforms, Dr Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, commended the Gombe State Government for its historic and technological achievements, hailing the State as one of the fastest-growing digital economies in Nigeria.
Dr. Arabi said the awards for Gombe were a reflection of the State’s commitment to advancing GovTech initiatives, digital governance as well as technological innovation and excellence.
He revealed that none of the agencies was aware of being scrutinized for the awards, explaining that it was a sequel to a nationwide nomination and online voting process advertised through radio, television and newspaper publications.
Dr. Arabi said it was initiated to honour and motivate those who develop solutions, initiatives and programmes, as well as harness technology for the betterment of public services and digital governance.
Dr. Kabiru Usman Hassan and Babayola Mohammed Isa thanked Governor Yahaya for his tremendous support to them and their agencies, as well as his administration’s interest and investment in digital governance and the economy.