The Ekiti State Government has launched a groundbreaking digital platform, Ekiti Dashboard, aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance, according to a 9am News report.
In Nigeria, transparency and accountability in governance have long been elusive, with corruption and inefficiency prevalent across various state institutions. Despite several structural reforms introduced by successive governments, significant improvements remain limited. However, Ekiti State is charting a new course in good governance.
Under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti State has introduced multiple initiatives to foster transparency and citizen participation, ensuring that residents are well-informed and actively involved in government activities. Notably, Ekiti has maintained the top spot in the Fiscal Transparency League for three consecutive years, earning recognition from the BudgIT Foundation as a trailblazer in financial transparency.
According to findings by the Subnational Audit Efficacy Index, a global non-profit organization promoting public accountability in Nigeria, Ekiti ranked number one among Nigeria’s 36 states in transparency, anti-corruption, and good governance. This index evaluates states’ performance in managing public funds and implementing policies effectively.
Reaffirming its commitment to governance excellence, Ekiti State has now launched the Ekiti Dashboard, a Strategic Pillars Monitoring System designed to transform project monitoring and public accountability. Developed by the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), led by Dr. John Ekundayo, a Harvard-certified organizational development strategist, the platform is positioned as the first of its kind in Nigeria.
The Ekiti Dashboard offers real-time data on government projects, allowing citizens to track progress, identify inefficiencies, and hold authorities accountable. It promotes seamless collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), improving project execution and enhancing service delivery.
At the launch event held at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Governor Oyebanji described the dashboard as a “game changer” for the state:
“This dashboard is a cutting-edge tool designed to provide real-time information on the status, progress, and impact of all government projects in Ekiti State. It represents our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in public service.”
He emphasized that the platform will empower citizens to monitor government activities from anywhere in the world, in line with his administration’s six pillars of development.
Dr. Ekundayo praised the governor’s vision and persistence, highlighting the dashboard’s potential to revolutionize project management by harnessing data-driven insights. He noted that the initiative would improve collaboration among MDAs and ensure that projects are delivered efficiently and effectively.
Present at the event were Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Information, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, and other members of the state executive council and MDAs.
The Ekiti Dashboard has firmly positioned the state as a model of transparency and accountability, setting a new benchmark for other states across Nigeria to emulate.