The Osun State House of Assembly will commence digital training for all staff above grade level seven to enhance their digital skills and knowledge.
Speaker of the House, Timothy Owoeye made this known on Tuesday in Osogbo, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on the development of E-parliament portal for the house, facilitated by Kimpact Development Initiative in conjunction with International Republican Institute, USA.
“The House of Assembly shall make it mandatory for all staff above grade level seven to undergo six months computer training to boost their efficiency and productivity. We shall ensure there enough facilities to carry out the assignment.” The speaker declared.
The E-parliament portal according to the Owoeye will provide a platform for citizens to engage and interact with members of the House and their parliamentary proceedings.
“The ICT has proved to be a significant supportive and facilitative power for effectively fulfilling the duties and responsibilities granted to parliaments by the Constitution. In order to carry out the functions of legislation, representation and oversight more effectively, to connect with coming on board of e-parliament in the State House of Assembly, legislators would be in constant communication, consultation, interaction and dialogue with their constituents.
“In addition, it will also enhance democratic practices and inclusive governance and thus bridge the massive gap and mitigate the weak relationship between the legislators and their constituents.
“In a nutshell, the development of e-parliament will, among other things, facilitate ease of doing parliamentary business, strengthen the relationship between the legislature and the public and above all bridge the gap between legislators and their constituents.”
In his welcome address, Executive Director of KDI, Mr Bukola Idowu described the signing of the MoU as ground-breaking.
He said the relationship between the Osun Assembly and KDI has brought tremendous achievements to both parties, adding that the E-parliament portal will also help in strengthening the relationship.
“For parliaments, the benefits of ICT are enormous. By facilitating access to information and services for members of parliaments, parliamentary administrations, the media, and citizens, ICTs can make the democratic process more efficient, transparent, accessible, and accountable.
“It would be instrumental in strengthening citizen engagement, providing innovative ways to interact with citizens, and enabling their access to parliamentary proceedings and documents. Applying ICTs to internal practices and services would help make parliaments more efficient in carrying out their legislative, oversight, and representative functions.”
