By Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA)
As Anambra marks its 35th anniversary, the theme, “Our Environment, Our Future”, speaks directly to one of the defining challenges of our dear state. For Anambra, the environment is not an abstract conversation.
We live with erosion, flooding, blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate waste disposal and increasing pressure on our land and communities. The emphasis by *Mr Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, on the environment therefore invites us to think not only about today, but about the Anambra we want to build over the next 35 years.
Certainly, it must be greener. But I believe it must also be smarter and more connected. Technology has an important role to play in making that possible. An erosion problem may be developing in a community long before it reaches the relevant authorities; a drainage channel may become blocked ahead of heavy rainfall; or waste may begin accumulating at an illegal dumpsite.
The people living in those communities will usually see these things first. The truth is that government cannot act on what it does not know; Government cannot be everywhere; Ndi Anambra already are.
The opportunity before us is to use technology to shorten the distance between what Ndi Anambra see and what government knows. Imagine noticing a serious environmental problem, taking a photograph, identifying the location and bringing it directly to government’s attention through a digital channel.
What would once have depended on phone calls, letters or knowing the right government official can increasingly become a simple digital interaction. This is part of the thinking behind Smart Anambra, our growing digital gateway for accessing and engaging government services, and SolutionLens, which provides a channel through which Ndi Anambra can engage government, provide feedback and draw attention to issues within their communities.
But the bigger opportunity goes beyond receiving complaints. When information from Ndi Anambra is properly captured, it can help government see patterns. Multiple reports about flooding, drainage or erosion from a particular location can become an early signal.
Over time, such information can support better decisions about where attention and resources may be required. This is what digital governance should ultimately be about; not technology for technology’s sake, but technology that makes government more aware, accessible and responsive to the people it serves.
It is also a practical expression of Governor Soludo’s vision of Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere, which recognises technology as an enabler across government and society. At the Anambra State ICT Agency, our responsibility is to continue translating that vision into practical digital systems that improve how Ndi Anambra interact with their government.
But technology does not remove personal or community responsibility. The word “our” in Our Environment, Our Future matters. Communities cannot abandon every environmental responsibility to government.
A small blockage that residents can safely clear should not necessarily be left until it contributes to serious flooding. Illegal dumping should not become acceptable because we expect government to eventually remove the waste. Small environmental problems should not be allowed to grow into major ones simply because everyone is waiting for someone else to act.
Responsible communities should do what they reasonably can and alert government early when a problem requires intervention beyond their capacity. Technology can make that partnership easier: Ndi Anambra observe, communities act where they can, technology connects, and government responds where its intervention is required.
That principle extends beyond the environment. The same digital connection between Ndi Anambra and government can improve how we think about public infrastructure, government projects and public services.
As Anambra turns 35, we should therefore think beyond simply building more digital platforms. The real measure of progress will be whether technology helps us solve problems, strengthens public participation and brings government closer to the people.
A greener Anambra will require better environmental management and stronger community responsibility. A smarter Anambra will use information and technology to understand problems earlier and respond better.
And a more connected Anambra will recognise that government and Ndi Anambra are partners in building the state we all want. Our environment is our future. And increasingly, technology can help us protect both.
Smart Anambra- smart.anambrastate.gov.ng and SolutionLens- lens.anambrastate.gov.ng
**Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA) is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Anambra State ICT Agency
