The Government of Anambra State has launched Solutions Lens Platform, a new tech-driven platform designed to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.
The launch, a hybrid event with both physical and virtual participation, was facilitated through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Ministry of Information, and Anambra ICT Agency.
The event in Awka on Thursday, brought together government officials, civil society organizations, community leaders, tech innovators and the media.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake said they are here not only to launch Solution Lens Platform but to affirm their commitment to deeper ideology in governance that would be transparent, inclusive and accountable to everyone in Anambra.
She noted that the platform is a solution to a problem and a fulfilment of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s promise to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.
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.”
On his part, the 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.
“The platform can only be a success when Ndi Anambra engage the platform and ask questions.”
Managing Director, Anambra ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred 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.
“Solution Lens is a digital platform that will allow Ndi Anambra to track the progress of government projects across all sectors while offering channels for public feedback and participation in line with Governor Soludo administration’s mantra: “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere.
In a remark, Auditor General for the state, Akosa Okocha described the platform as laudable and creative governance-people interface as it would ensure that feedback from the public attracted government attention.
“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.
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.
Key Features of Solution Lens are, Central hub for government projects, interactive mapping and user-friendly interface, and direct chat with government Ministries, Departments and Agencies and it is part of Governor Soludo’s broader vision for a smart, inclusive, and transparent Anambra.
Unveiling of the Solution Lens Platform and live demo formed the highlights of the launch.###
