ANAMBRA AT 35: CFA SAYS TECHNOLOGY CAN DRIVE GREENER, SMARTER FUTURE
By Angela Nwanodu
The MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), has said technology can play a critical role in helping Anambra build a greener, smarter, and more connected future as the state marks its 35th anniversary.
Agbata, in a commentary reflecting on the anniversary theme, “Our Environment, Our Future, said the state’s environmental challenges, including erosion, flooding, blocked drainage channels, and indiscriminate waste disposal, require not only stronger environmental management and community responsibility but also smarter ways of connecting Ndi Anambra with government.
According to him, technology can help shorten the distance between what Ndi Anambra see in their communities and what government knows, enabling environmental concerns and other public issues to be reported more quickly and systematically. He noted that residents are often the first to observe emerging problems in their communities, stressing that “Government cannot be everywhere, Ndi Anambra already are.”
Agbata said digital platforms could transform such observations into useful information for government, particularly when reports are captured with details such as photographs and location data. He explained that multiple reports from a particular area could help government identify patterns and early warning signals around issues such as flooding, drainage and erosion, supporting more informed decisions on where attention and resources may be required.
He identified Smart Anambra and SolutionLens platforms as examples of the state’s growing digital ecosystem for connecting Ndi Anambra with government services and creating channels for feedback and engagement. While Smart Anambra serves as a digital gateway for accessing government services, SolutionLens provides a channel through which Ndi Anambra can communicate issues, provide feedback and draw government attention to matters within their communities.
Agbata, who described this approach as a practical expression of Governor Soludo’s Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” vision, said the objective should not be technology for its own sake, but technology that makes government more aware, accessible and responsive. He said the ICT Agency would continue to translate the administration’s digital transformation agenda into practical solutions that improve how Ndi Anambra interact with government.
He, however, emphasised that technology cannot replace personal and community responsibility, noting that the “our” in “Our Environment, Our Future” is significant. He urged communities to take reasonable action within their capacity, including addressing minor environmental issues where possible and reporting problems requiring government intervention before they escalate.
The ICT Agency Boss said the principle of using technology to strengthen the connection between Ndi Anambra and government extends beyond environmental issues to public infrastructure, government projects, and public services. He stressed that the real measure of digital transformation should be its ability to help solve problems, strengthen public participation, and bring government closer to the people.
As Anambra celebrates 35 years of statehood, Agbata said the state must look towards a future that is not only greener but also smarter and more connected, with technology helping government and Ndi Anambra work together to protect the environment and build a better state.
Smart Anambra- smart.anambrastate.gov.ng
SolutionLens- lens.anambrastate.gov.ng
#AnambraAt35 #OurEnvironmentOurFuture #GreenAnambra
Angela Nwanodu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State