kefas Administration Advances civil service Transformation with ICT-Based capacity Development

By SILAS MEABE 

News:sports:Entertainment 

Jalingo:2026

The Taraba State Government has intensified efforts to reposition the state’s public service through comprehensive capacity-building and orientation programmes anchored on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and strengthened local governance systems.

The initiatives, coordinated by the Office of the Head of Service in collaboration with the Bureau for Local Government, Tradition and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jalingo, represent a critical pillar of Governor Agbu Kefas’ reform agenda aimed at rebuilding the civil service for optimum performance towards achieving effective and efficient service delivery using ICT.

The capacity-building programmes target top-level decision-makers across the public sector, including Permanent Secretaries, Directors in the state civil service, as well as newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and other senior council officials. This strategic focus underscores the administration’s resolve to equip leadership with modern managerial, technological and governance competencies required to drive reform, efficiency and accountability.

Core focus areas of the reform-driven training include the deployment of ICT tools to enhance productivity and service delivery across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs); strengthening local governments for sustainable development through administrative reforms and improved financial autonomy; and promoting transparency, accountability and effective security coordination at the grassroots level.

Consultancy Firm Emphasises Digital Transformation

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the workshop held at the Banquet Hall, TY Danjuma House, Government House Jalingo, the consulting firm, Euclase Resources Limited, described the programme as a timely intervention aimed at repositioning the Taraba State Civil Service to meet the demands of modern governance.

The lead consultant noted that the theme of the workshop, “Rebuilding the Taraba State Civil Service for Optimum Performance Towards Achieving Effective and Efficient Service Delivery Using ICT,” reflects the urgent need for a paradigm shift in public sector operations. According to the firm, effective governance in the 21st century is no longer driven solely by policies and structures, but by the capacity of institutions to leverage technology, data and innovation for results.

Euclase Resources Limited emphasised that the training was designed to expose participants to global best practices in digital governance, performance management, policy implementation and service delivery. The firm urged participants to embrace change, adopt ICT-driven solutions in their daily operations and serve as reform champions within their respective MDAs and local government councils.

Head of Service Calls for Attitudinal Change and Professionalism

In his opening remarks, the Head of Service of Taraba State, Dr. Hamidu Ahmed Kara, stated that the capacity-building initiative was a deliberate effort by the Kefas administration to rebuild the civil service into a professional, responsive and technology-driven institution.

Dr. Kara stressed that beyond acquiring technical skills, civil servants must demonstrate a positive change in attitude, work ethics and commitment to public service values. He noted that ICT adoption is critical to improving efficiency, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and enhancing transparency across government operations

The Head of Service charged participants to take full advantage of the training and translate the knowledge gained into measurable improvements in service delivery, policy execution and institutional performance. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuous human capital development as a foundation for sustainable development and effective governance in the state.

Governor Kefas’ Charge to Local Government Leadership

Speaking during the programme, Governor Agbu Kefas charged Local Government Chairmen to ensure that the training translates into tangible development outcomes within their councils. He urged them to prioritise key development areas, particularly the renovation of educational facilities, construction of roads and bridges, and other people-oriented projects

The Governor also reassured workers of his administration’s commitment to their welfare, pledging to pay in full the allowances and gratuities of retired workers in the state as part of efforts to restore confidence and morale within the public service.

Structured Trainings for Sustainable Impact

Recent activities under the reform programme include a five-day training for Local Government Secretaries and staff officers aimed at addressing operational gaps and improving productivity at the council level. This was followed by another five-day professional development workshop for Directors in MDAs held at the Shield Hotel, Jalingo, as well as a two-day workshop on monitoring and evaluation of government policies for Permanent Secretaries and other senior officials.

The programmes are delivered by experienced facilitators and consultants, focusing on leadership development, strategic planning, ICT integration, policy monitoring and results-based management.

Oversight of the capacity-building initiative is provided by the Bureau for Local Government, Tradition and Chieftaincy Affairs under the leadership of its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Godfrey Dame Andrew, working closely with the Office of the Head of Service to ensure alignment with the state’s reform objectives.

Laying the Foundation for Modern Governance

Overall, the training and orientation programmes reflect the Kefas àadministration’s broader strategy to modernise the Taraba State Civil Service, entrench professionalism and leverage technology for effective and efficient service delivery. With sustained investment in human capacity development, institutional reforms and ICT-driven governance, the Taraba State Government is laying a solid foundation for responsive leadership, strengthened local governance and accelerated socio-economic development across the state.