Yemi Obafemi
Media entrepreneur and Managing Director of Oru Medias Integrated Global Resources Limited, Mr. Oru Leonard Oru, has urged public administrators in Nigeria to embrace Artificial Intelligence and digital governance to drive public sector transformation and improve service delivery.
Oru made the call in a goodwill message at the 6th International Conference of the Association of Nigeria Public Administrators, ANPA, held at the National Open University of Nigeria.
The conference, themed “Artificial Intelligence, Digital Governance, and the Future of Public Administration in Nigeria,” brought together academics, public administrators, policymakers and development stakeholders to examine the role of technology in governance.
The message was delivered on his behalf by Dr. Emmanuel Huleji Daudu, Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Global Media Services and Global Sustainable Goals Consultancy.
Oru described the theme of the conference as timely and critical, noting that AI and digital technologies are reshaping how governments formulate policies, manage resources, deliver essential services and engage citizens.
He said Nigeria must deliberately invest in digital infrastructure, technical capacity and policy frameworks to benefit from the global technological transformation.
“Technology should complement human intelligence and professional judgment while upholding the fundamental values of responsible leadership and public service,” he said.
He however cautioned that adoption of AI in public administration must be guided by transparency, accountability, ethical standards, data protection and respect for human dignity.
Advocates Nigeria-Bangladesh Partnership
A major highlight of Oru’s message was his call for stronger international partnerships, particularly with Bangladesh and other Asian countries, to boost institutional development and public sector innovation.
According to him, Nigeria and Bangladesh share common development priorities including expanding economic opportunities, creating jobs, improving public service delivery and strengthening institutions.
He said Bangladesh’s experiences in digital public services, SME development, export promotion, social development and grassroots economic initiatives offer useful lessons for Nigeria.
Oru urged ANPA to build institutional linkages with public administration institutes, universities, government agencies, policy research centres and development organisations in Bangladesh and other Asian countries.
He said such collaborations could facilitate exchange programmes for public administrators, joint research projects, international conferences, capacity-building workshops, policy dialogues and study visits.
He advocated South-South cooperation as a platform for developing countries to exchange knowledge, technical expertise and practical solutions to common governance challenges.
Oru however cautioned against indiscriminate adoption of foreign models, stressing that Nigeria should adapt relevant lessons to its own social, economic and institutional realities.
Investment in Public Service Critical
The media entrepreneur further stressed the need for investment in digital infrastructure, continuous training for public servants, institutional reforms and collaboration among government, academia, private sector and civil society.
He said an efficient, modern and citizen-centred public service is essential to Nigeria’s national transformation.
According to him, public administrators must develop professional competence, digital skills, innovative mindset, international exposure and strong ethical commitment to respond to 21st century demands.
Oru commended ANPA for organising the conference and expressed hope that it would produce actionable recommendations to support public sector reforms and strengthen governance.
He noted that Oru Medias Integrated Global Resources Limited recognises the importance of information, innovation, strategic communication and institutional partnerships in advancing national development.
He urged participants to go beyond intellectual discussions and establish practical initiatives, enduring partnerships and measurable programmes to transform public administration in Nigeria.
