This formed the core of discussions at the Agency’s Second Tenure Team Retreat 2026 held at the ICT Conference Hall under the theme: “The Next Four Years: Becoming Nigeria’s First AI-Native ICT Agency”.

In his opening remarks, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the MD/CEO of the Agency, thanked God for the opportunity to continue serving following his reappointment by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and charged staff to embrace the changing realities of the digital age.

He stressed that the future of work within the Agency would be heavily driven by Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing that staff members must intentionally develop competence in AI tools and digital systems to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving technology ecosystem.

According to him, the Agency must become more creative, efficient, prudent, and execution-driven in delivering digital solutions for the state.

“We must use AI intelligently, execute with speed, and do things differently,” he charged the team, capable of transforming governance and digital service delivery in Anambra State and beyond.”

Delivering the keynote strategic session titled “The Next Four Years – Becoming Nigeria’s First AI-Native ICT Agency,” the Chief Technology Officer of the Agency, Chinonso Okoye, PhD, highlighted the need for the Agency to evolve into an AI-first institution capable of competing globally.

Drawing lessons from countries such as Singapore, Ireland, and Estonia, he explained how governments across the world are leveraging AI to improve efficiency, automate public services, and drive smarter governance systems.

He noted that the strategic direction of the Agency for the next four years would be built on strengthening internal AI competence while deploying digital solutions capable of transforming public service delivery across the state.

The retreat also featured a four-year retrospective review session where staff reflected on the Agency’s achievements, challenges, lessons, and future opportunities. Discussions centered around institutional culture, broadband penetration efforts, internal operational systems, collaboration gaps, and opportunities for consolidation and growth.

Participants later broke into strategic working groups focused on Smart Government and Infrastructure, Cybersecurity and E-Government, Digital Economy, as well as Human Capital, Institutional Capacity and Governance.

Also speaking during the retreat, the Agency’s Technical Personnel, Rev. Canon Sunday Folayan, reminded participants that every strategic plan must remain SMART; Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.

He further charged the team to remain aligned and intentional in achieving the state’s digital transformation goals.

In his closing remarks, CFA urged staff of the Anambra ICT Agency to brace up for the task ahead by consolidating on existing gains and giving their best towards advancing Governor Soludo’s vision of a smart and liveable Anambra.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Acting Director of the Agency, Chinyelu Odigbo appreciated the management and facilitators for providing another opportunity to shape the digital transformation narrative of Anambra State.

The retreat ended with a collective resolution by the Agency team to continue deploying smarter and more innovative approaches in driving the digital agenda of the state, while prioritizing continuous learning and mastery of emerging AI tools.

The workshop provided a strategic platform for states to assess their readiness for DPI implementation, which integrates digital identity, data ecosystems, and payment systems to drive economic growth and efficient public service delivery.

The Anambra delegation, comprising officers from the Anambra ICT Agency and AIRS, actively engaged in discussions on best practices, policy alignment, and technology-driven solutions for improving governance.

Key highlights from the workshop included a guided session on understanding the DPI and IRA Readiness Tools, helping states evaluate their digital infrastructure and revenue automation capabilities.

Participants also took part in state-specific assessments through hands-on exercises, identifying strengths, challenges, and opportunities for digital transformation.

Additionally, the workshop provided valuable insights on collaboration and strategy development, focusing on bridging digital gaps, enhancing revenue administration, and leveraging global best practices for efficient service delivery.

Anambra State is set to strengthen its digital infrastructure by addressing identified gaps and implementing DPI-compliant solutions.

In line with the DPI initiative, the state said it will also enhance its legal and administrative frameworks.

As Anambra continues its strides towards digital transformation, the NGF DPI workshop will serve as a roadmap for leveraging technology to improve governance, enhance revenue generation, and build a truly digital-first economy.

Below are 21 Key Strides amongst others:

1. Infrastructure Enhancement via Full Implementation of Zero Right of Way (RoW) policy 

Governor Soludo’s bold move to strengthen infrastructure has led to the full implementation of the Zero Right of Way (RoW) policy.

This has motivated InfraCos to deepen tech infrastructure in the state by laying of fibre ducts, resulting in improved quality of service across the State.

Anambra remains one of the few states currently implementing the Zero ROW policy as a first step towards fully deepening broadband penetration.

2. Collaboration and Interconnectivity

The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the State are currently in partnership with  the ICT Agency towards the establishment of an Internet Exchange Point in the State.

This initiative focuses on improving interconnectivity and reducing the cost of Internet access and deepening penetration. ISPs in Anambra are excited about the possibilities.

3. Public Wi-Fi Initiative

A Pilot Phase of the Public Wi-Fi (Solution Wi-Fi) has been activated at Aroma Junction, Book foundation and Unizik Gate, Ifite Awka.

This marks a significant stride and efforts are ongoing to extend this Public Wi-Fi to various public spaces across the State in line with the People’s Manifesto.

4. E-Government Infrastructure

The Agency, through its baseline Study of E-government Infrastructure in Anambra State has set the stage for a digital revolution in the Civil Service.

This initiative resulted in Governor Soludo’s approval of the procurement and distribution of the first batch of 200 state-of-the-art PCs and laptops to various MDAs, advancing the objectives of digitization and professionalism across the public sector. 2024 will witness the distribution of more digital tools to more civil and public servants in line with Mr Governor’s promise of modernizing the State’s workforce.

5. Digitized State’s Executive Council Processes

Successful digitization of the State’s Executive Council processes by transforming documents and presentations from manual to digital format, eliminating the need for costly printing. This has helped to make the process more efficient, cost effective, and sustainable.

6. Communication Enhancement

Deployment of the Unified Messaging Service (UMS) for enhanced communication and collaboration among all MDAs is a significant milestone. Civil servants have been assigned @anambrastate.gov.ng email addresses for seamless communication and collaboration within the public sector.

7. Land Administration Revolution

The Ministry of Lands with support from the ICT Agency has deployed its Centralized e-GIS System with complete ICT Infrastructure that is bound to revolutionize Land Administration in the State.

8. Project Management Dashboard

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI), with the State’s Strategy, Execution, and Evaluation (SEE) Office and the ICT Agency have fostered a partnership which has brought about the successful integration of technology into project management.

This has given rise to a Digital Delivery Dashboard, a real-time project monitoring tool to facilitate project tracking from inception to completion.

9. Policy Development

As a roadmap to achieving Prof. Chukuwma Soludo (Mr. Governor’s) vision of “Everything Technology and Technology Everywhere”, the ICT Agency has come up with a comprehensive draft ICT Policy document ; This policy was developed in collaboration and ensures comprehensive input which has resulted in a holistic document that represents the views of all relevant parties.

10. Blockchain Strategy

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy Blockchain Strategy has been adopted by the ICT Agency to promote and enhance the blockchain ecosystem activities in the State.

11. Identity Management Initiative

The ICT Agency in partnership with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, initiated an internship program that has resulted in the successful launch of the ANSG-EID Card scheme for civil servants and other government employees in June 2023.

12. Domain Adoption and Transition/Digital/Internet Assets Standardization

A pioneering move in the State’s E-governance efforts is the successful transition to the Federal Government-approved .ng second-level domain.

This initiative has paved the way for the successful relocation of Anambra State online digital assets (in line with Federal Government directives) to the “anambrastate.gov.ng” and “an.gov.ng” State owned domains.

13. Cybersecurity Enhancement

Currently, the ICT Agency is finalizing the implementation of a public cloud service that would secure Anambra State’s data locally, fortify cybersecurity, and save costs by consolidating the multiple cloud providers engaged by MDAs.

14. IT Project Standardization

In line with ANSEC directive, an ITPRS Portal has been established for the registration of external IT consultants. This platform ensures the digitalization and standardization of IT projects in the State, and issues certificates as proof of compliance to set standards.

15. GovTech Strategy Development

In response to Anambra State’s participation in a World Bank subnational Government GovTech Maturity Index survey, the ICT Agency developed an initial GovTech strategy framework. This framework has been designed to improve the State’s appeal to technology partners on a global scale.

16. Budget System Automation

The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has automated the State’s budget processes with support from the ICT Agency.

17. Development of the Anambra State Health Facilities Management System

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Agency has developed a platform to enhance healthcare administration and streamline the management of health facilities, ensuring efficient operations and improved delivery of healthcare services across the state.

18. Telemedicine Deployment

Currently working closely with the Ministry of Health to deploy a robust Telemedicine solution for the State.

19. Local Government Automation

The Ministry of Local Government in collaboration with the ICT Agency is on an ongoing automation and digitization process of all 21 LGAs of the State. This automation process is about 75% completed and will be deployed within Q1 ’24.

20. Internship/Volunteers Partnership Programme

The Anambra ICT Agency is proud to have launched its Internship/Volunteers Partnership Programme tailored for ICT undergraduates and skilled IT professionals.

This initiative is currently ongoing and is aimed at fostering talent development and knowledge exchange. It provides a valuable platform for participants to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the state’s technological advancements.

21. Citizens Engagement Platform

The Anambra ICT Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning and the Strategy, Execution & Evaluation Office is developing a dynamic initiative designed to foster transparent communication between the government and citizens.

This digital platform will encourage active participation, feedback, and collaboration, providing a space for citizens to engage with government initiatives.

MDAs’ Support

All State MDAs are being supported by the ICT Agency with digital services and solutions. These services and solutions include among others, website creation, content management, and various technical assistance to facilitate the digitization of their operational procedures.

All of the above strides demonstrate Prof. Chukuwma Soludo (Mr Governor’s) unwavering commitment to driving digital transformation and embracing cutting-edge technologies, positioning Anambra State prominently on the global stage.

We are inspired to continue pushing forward to an even more exciting future, where the possibilities for digital transformation and innovation are endless for our dear State.  #EverythingTechnologyTechnologyEverywhere

Anambra will WIN!

Solution is Here!!!

This call was made in a press statement signed by the MD himself on 2nd January 2024.

Agbata also said in the new year 2024, there is the need for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in Anambra State to embark on a deliberate exploration of technology, strategically aiming to enhance their operational processes.

He said, “In pursuing a more accountable, progressive, and sustainable future, the Anambra State ICT Agency recognizes the pivotal role of technology in driving positive change across various sectors. The benefits are simply limitless.

“As the agency mandated to drive the everything technology and technology everywhere vision of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, we recognize that at the heart of this transformation, lies the recognition that technology holds the key to fostering accountability, driving progress, and ensuring sustainability across various sectors”

“By embracing technological advancements, we can unlock new possibilities, streamline processes, and usher in an era of unprecedented growth. From agriculture to healthcare, governance, and education, the potential for positive transformation is boundless.”

CFA further reiterated the Agency’s commitment to providing the necessary support, aligning with its mandate, and reinforcing Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision for a technologically advanced state.

“The journey towards impactful change is a collective effort. We, government, parastatals, private sector, communities, and individuals must unite in embracing and harnessing the robust potentials of technology. Together, we can build more resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking Anambra on the horizon.

“So, whether you’re an innovator, entrepreneur, or simply someone passionate about a better future, your contribution matters, let’s leverage technology as a force for positive transformation, shaping a world that reflects our shared values and aspirations,” CFA concluded.

“On behalf of the Agency, we would like to wish everyone an impactful 2024”, the message reads.

Earlier last year the emails were launched by the State Government to aid correspondence within the state government circle, as well as to authenticate transactions from and within government offices, demonstrating the state’s commitment as a major stakeholder in the adoption of the Nigerian Second Level Domain (N2LD) policy.

To ensure the full digitization of the state budgetary processes, as envisioned by Mr Governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, Anambra State Government with the aid of a consultant, had developed software for the full digitization, with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, expected to turn in their proposals and defend same.

However, at the budget defense ongoing at the Inter-agency room of the State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, it became imperative that Ministries and officials of government must access the platform created with the digitization software only with their official email addresses.

To this end, the State ICT Agency set up a dedicated desk at the Ministry, to assist with the creation and configuration of the emails for civil servants and MDAs, the MD/CEO of the State ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata revealed.

“As a proactive step, we saw the need to dedicate a team to handle this and assist government workers in setting up and configuring their official government emails on their phones and laptops. We are also setting up and configuring official emails for all the 21 ministries and the MDAs,”

“To access the platform for digitization, the civil servants are to log in with the official government emails.

“Recall how the email initiative came about. On February 16th, 2022, the Federal Executive Council approved the National Policy on the Nigerian Government Second-level Domains, to effectively regulate and manage the use of information and communication technologies in government institutions, specifically electronic correspondences within the government.

“This was why as part of the implementation of the policy, Anambra state obtained the @anambrastate.gov.ng domain name from the designated body, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and migrated accordingly.

“So, if you are communicating with a civil servant via generic emails such as Yahoo or Gmail addresses, those correspondences are not official, CFA concluded.

According to him, the idea is to streamline government processes, eradicate identity theft, and build trust in government through credible and transparent transactions while promoting data protection.

This strategic initiative is set to play a pivotal role in facilitating ongoing bilateral discussions with ministries, departments, and agencies within the state as part of preparations for the much-anticipated 2024 budget. It further aims to foster collaboration and maximize efficiency in the email configuration process, ultimately contributing to the success of the forthcoming budget preparations.

The configuration exercise not only exemplifies Governor Soludo’s commitment to digitizing government operations and overall improvement of service delivery to the people of the state but also underscores the agency’s dedication to seeing that this commitment translates to improved communication and data exchange among state workers. The enhanced email system will play a pivotal role in facilitating efficient discussions, data sharing, and decision-making as various stakeholders come together to shape the state’s financial future in 2024.

As the State ICT Agency continues to work diligently on this project, the prospects for a more transparent, efficient, and data-driven budgeting process in 2024 appear promising, as the State ICT Agency remains committed to ensuring Mr. Governor’s vision of Everything Technology and Technology Everywhere in the state remains a reality.

The event held at the ASUU hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State on September 29, 2023, provided a platform for secondary school students to showcase their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial projects.

He commended the young entrepreneurs for their courage in presenting their ideas and products to the audience.

Noting that entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted, CFA highlighted the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, noting that a staggering 90% of new businesses fail in their first year.

He however, encouraged the participants not to be disheartened if their schools didn’t emerge as winners, emphasizing that success stories often stem from perseverance and resilience.

He stressed the importance of learning from the experience and building upon the knowledge gained at such events, emphasizing that the world eagerly awaits the contributions of these budding entrepreneurs.

“Many people go to their graves afraid to try,” he said, urging the students to seize the opportunities before them

“There is never a special time to start a business—it’s your business, and the time is now.”

CFA also acknowledged the presentations made by the students, particularly those who pitched tech solutions.

He announced that the Anambra ICT Agency is open to partnering with secondary schools to develop solution-oriented apps and technologies. He encouraged interested schools to reach out to the agency for collaboration.

CFA applauded the organizers of the BossLadyLaw Challenge for their dedication to nurturing young talent and promoting innovation in Anambra State.

He urged the students to pursue their dreams and emphasized that skills in the tech industry are in high demand, presenting numerous opportunities for those willing to explore the field.

The event concluded with a resounding round of applause for the young entrepreneurs, who left the stage inspired and motivated to continue their entrepreneurial journeys.

“Anambra, as it is administered today by Mr. Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, is an ‘A’ state and its people must begin to build positive narratives around the state, in conformation with the visible transformations ongoing in the state”

Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), the MD/ CEO, of Anambra State ICT Agency, gave the advice on Wednesday, 27th September 2023, during the one-year anniversary celebration of the Wikimedia Anambra Network.

The event, which took place at the Ekwueme Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, was also to create awareness of the presence of Wikimedia in Anambra State as a major open source for information sharing.

Speaking at the event, Agbata said there is more to Anambra than the negative stories being peddled by a few enemies of the state.

He however said people should prepare to confront the task of crafting positive narratives about Anambra, particularly using digital platforms like Wikipedia.

CFA congratulated the Wikimedia Anambra Network for clocking one year in Anambra, emphasizing how important the Network has been in the present efforts of the state government under Governor Soludo to make Anambra a liveable and prosperous mega city.

“When I first came in contact with the Wikimedia group back in Lagos, I saw what they were doing. If you don’t tell your story, no one will. No one knows your culture and your realities so it becomes important that this kind of network multiply across all parts of the country.

“Again, the editors in Lagos or elsewhere, may not know the culture and exciting stories of Anambra communities, posing the need for Anambra people to tell their own positive stories the way they need to be told.

“That’s why at the Anambra ICT Agency, we took it personally to work with the Network because we want to see a practical change.

“The governor is doing a lot to better the Anambra community but all that you hear, are the negative narratives.

“So collectively, we need to begin to tell the right stories about Anambra, the Southeast, and make this place better,” he said.

Agbata harped on the need for the people to support the Network, noting that the governor has given his blessings to such initiatives as this, that sell the Anambra story.

“We have quality people here, business men doing well in their lines, academic gurus, artisans and craftsmen, local communities with amazing culture and traditions and many more.

“Why do we have to accept the negative ones being peddled by few individuals because we are doing enough to sell ourselves,” he queried.

Earlier in her remarks, Dr. Ngozi Osuchukwu, the President, of Wikimedia User Group, Anambra Network,  explained that Wikimedia is all about digital literacy, skills, and digital information management, enabling people to contribute to open knowledge in a progressive way.

Dr Osuchukwu revealed that in the past 12 months, the Network has planned and implemented over 22 projects in Anambra State and beyond, 6 out of which were community-based.

These projects she noted, cut across many areas including health, governance and politics, community information, and open knowledge, and lately, they ignited a partnership with the state government, through the Anambra State ICT Agency.

“Today, we are counting our successes plus the Anambra Network won the network with the most participants in July’s ‘Naija Office Hour’.

“From here, people have also been selected to attend Wikimedia international conferences. Last month, one of us was sponsored to Singapore for a Wikimedia activity. In the month to come, one of us is going to Morocco for Wiki activity and another person is going to India as well. So, there are a whole lot of activities going on,” she said.

Osuchukwu stressed the need for people to embrace digital literacy and become volunteers in the Wikimedia spaces, to enable them to tell their own stories. She commended the various brands who have partnered with and sponsored the Network through the last year, especially the Anambra State ICT Agency, expressing the hope that the partnership will continue for the growth of digital literacy in the state.

At a panel discussion, various members of the Wikimedia Anambra Network, Mrs. Goodness Abasili- Coordinator and co- founder, Igbo Wiki librarians hub, Dr. Adaora Obuezie, Vice President Wikimedia Anambra Network & Coordinator NAU- Wiki-fan-club, Timothy Ezenwanne Communications/Projects Officer, Anambra Network and Nwosu Chisom Vivian, the Face of Wikimedia Anambra Network threw more insight on Wikimedia, its benefits and those eligible to enlist as Wikimedians.

Cutting of the anniversary cake, cultural performances as well and poetic renditions in English and Igbo languages formed the highlights of the event.

Findings by Techeconomy shows the page on the World’s free encyclopedia was approved earlier in August 2023.

The Agency is driven by the ‘Everything Technology and Technology Everywhere’ vision of Professor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor.

This is a sure step towards the Agency’s solid footing towards Anambra becoming a technology-driven State in Nigeria.

Wikipedia, a free online encyclopedia, which contains credible information on all branches of knowledge, has since its creation on January 15, 2001, grown into the world’s largest reference website, attracting over a billion visitors monthly.

Wikipedia currently has more than sixty-one million articles in more than 300 languages, including 6,694,024 articles in English with 115,680 active contributors in the past month.

A major benefit of the launch of the state ICT Agency on such widely-acclaimed platform, enabled by the guidance of the Wikimedia User Group Nigeria, through the Wikimedia Anambra Network, is that it supports Mr Governor’s efforts to open Anambra to the world for the positive reasons!

By launching on Wikipedia, the ICT Agency led by Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA) as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, is marketing Anambra State on a global scale and opening opportunities for collaboration and partnerships beyond the shores of Nigeria. These can in turn yield in limitless gains for Anambra people.

The step speaks to the credibility and integrity of Agency, as well as offers visibility and recognition, beyond the shores of Nigeria. It also goes further to assert Anambra as a state that is ‘tech-compliant’, especially when the State ICT policy developed by the Agency is given an Executive backing.

In line with the visionary mission of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to lead the state towards a digitally transformed future, the agency is organizing a groundbreaking Digital Literacy Training for Civil Society Organizations in the state.

Digital literacy is an essential skill set in today’s technology-driven world, as it enables individuals and organizations to fully utilize modern technologies to promote creativity and effectiveness in their respective fields.

According to a statement signed by Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), the MD/CEO of the Agency, the training is crucial in recognition of the critical role civil society organizations play in promoting positive change and community development.

“The training program will provide CSOs with requisite digital abilities and expertise to thrive in the Digital era, catalyze positive developments across various sectors and ultimately contribute to the overall socio-economic advancement of the state

“The training will equally give participants an overview of Wikimedia ‘s guiding principles and editing procedures, which will enable them to contribute their expertise to the platform in an effective manner” Agbata added.

The agency’s unwavering commitment to fostering digital literacy and inclusive technological development aligns seamlessly with the Governor’s vision of positioning Anambra State at the forefront of digital transformation in Nigeria.

Let us unite in our collective efforts to embrace the digital revolution and usher in a brighter, digitally empowered future for Anambra State.

The training is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 15th August, 2023 by 10am.

Participants are expected to attend with their laptops.

Interested civil society organizations are encouraged to register their representatives via this portal on or before Sunday 13th August, 2023.

The visit is one of the strategic alliances the Anambra State ICT Agency is exploring to achieve the realization of reliable data for the successful implementation of laudable initiatives of Mr Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, as contained in his People’s Manifesto.

Mr Governor’s Manifesto embodies significant innovations that speak to leveraging modern, secure, and transparent technology (Blockchain) to maintain health data and the expansion of the social investment database of poor and vulnerable households, both of which require a reliable and efficient identity system to be impactful.

Present at the strategic session were the Anambra State ICT Agency boss, Agbata, the Lagos Ministry of Science and Technology Permanent Secretary, Engr Kasunmu, who was former General Manager of LASRRA and Olutayo Oni, the Regional Sales Manager, Idemia Identity and Security France, the Biometric Solutions Provider to LASRRA.

Others were Jide Agbaje, the CEO, Identiko Integrated Solutions Ltd, the Systems Integrators LASRRA 2.0 and Mr. Akin Kehinde. Project Coordinator & Program Manager to LASRRA.

According to the MD/CEO, Anambra ICT Agency, Agbata, the quest to give expression to Mr Governor’s promises as contained in the People’s Manifesto, propelled his agency to pilot the Solution E-ID Card system which was launched a few weeks ago.

“The launch of the Solution E-ID Card System has profoundly accelerated our progress towards achieving a secure, verifiable database of Anambra residents.

“Consequently, the working visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Science and technology, Permanent Secretary, whose office directly oversees the Lagos State Residents ID Card initiative, reinforced the necessity of having a reliable identity system.

“Most importantly, the exchange of ideas revealed an alignment of strategy, that is, making the Solution E-ID card smart and sophisticated, by configuring it as a combination of both digital and physical variations, as in the case of Lagos and Edo. 

“The pursuit  and eventual fulfillment of this pivotal policy that empowers the state with requisite data, for proper planning and implementation of strategic initiatives, with positive angles to the well-being of Anambra people, is indeed evident to the transformational leadership Mr. Governor is bringing in Anambra State,” Agbata opined.