Chinedum Elekwachi
Anambra State government has launched the SolutionLens Platform to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.
The tech-driven platform powered through Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Ministry of Information, and ICT Agency, is expected to allow citizens to track progress of government projects across sectors.
On the occasion, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chiamaka Nnake, described it as one of the most significant governance innovations in the State’s history.
She said the platform offers people of the state an opportunity to hold the government accountable.
It also provides them with real-time access to information on government projects and programs, from conception to implementation.
Nnake said, “As we move forward, SolutionLens will serve as a data hub for planners and investors, a guarantee to our partners who seek transparency”.
“It is also a reaffirmation to Ndi Anambra that Governor Soludo believes in their ingenuity and is committed to building the future with them and not for them.
“This aligns seamlessly with our commitments under the Open Government Partnership (OGP), the People’s Manifesto, and our vision of building a livable and smart mega city.”
The commissioner appreciated the Governor for his visionary leadership and his insistence on an evolving public service.
She also commended Ministry of Information and ICT Agency for their dedication and support.
“I also commend our non-state actors for their consistent engagement, and our development partners for their unwavering support.
“As we launch this platform today, I urge everyone to interrogate it, use it, share it, and then embrace it.
“Together, we can make governance smarter, more transparent, and more responsive,” she added.
Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere
Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor noted that the initiative was in line with Soludo administration’s mantra: “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere,
He said the platform would only be successful with effective engagement of the citizenry.
Managing Director, ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Agbata, said the platform will enable the citizens people keep track of government projects and programmes within their localities.
“The idea behind the initiative is to promote responsive governance that promotes accountability and inclusivity.
“The citizens, however have a major role to engage the government with their feedbacks on the projects going.
“The feedbacks will not only ensure government remains responsive to their plight, but that the contractors handling the projects are kept on their toes,” he stated.
In a remark, Auditor General for the state, Akosa Okocha described the platform as laudable and creative governance-people interface.
He said it would ensure that feedback from the public attracted government attention.
Okocha commended Governor Soludo, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and other parties for the initiative.
He also assured his office’s support, in view of its critical role in open governance partnership.
Audit critical to good governance
“Audit plays a critical role especially when it comes to open governance partnership that involves government and the people.
“Whatever activities government is engaged involves financing and the citizens will like to know how their funds are being utilized.
“At the end of each financial year, the office of Accountant General forwards to my office the financial statements which I’ll go through to ensure funds were allocated to appropriate MDAs who in turn utilize them to satisfy the people’s desires as captured in the annual budget.
“My office will also provide a veritable platform for the citizenry to view government activities and ensure they align with the finance.
Okocha said SolutionLens will enable citizens to monitor and identify breaches in government activities.
This when forwarded for clarification will be sent to relevant agencies to do the needful.
“The Solution lens is a laudable, creative governance-people interface that will ensure that information from the public attract government attention.
Chairman, Open Government Partnership in the State, Prince Chris Azor, said SolutionLens aligns with the principles of OGP 2.0 especially in giving citizens active voice in democratic governance.
He praised the government for adopting global standards in transparency and citizen participation.
“This platform now gives people the opportunity to engage, report, and provide feedback from anywhere,” he submitted.
