FIC Report (State of Edo) – Mr. Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo State, has inaugurated the Edo State Residency Identity Card with the goal of issuing one million cards to individuals by the end of the third quarter of 2024.
The governor introduced the Residency Card on Friday, during the 2022 Alaghaghardaro Summit.
The summit, with the subject “Edo’s Transformation: Partnerships, Resilience, and Impact,” will be held in Benin City, the state capital, from Friday, November 11 to Sunday, November 13, 2022.
The summit, now in its sixth year, is held annually in conjunction with the corporate sector to celebrate Governor Godwin Obaseki’s anniversary in office and to promote the state’s transformation into an investment haven.
Mr. Obaseki stated in his address, “Today, we are unveiling the Edo State Residency Card. We estimate that around five million individuals dwell in our state, but we do not know who they are.
According to the Governor, the identity card, which was produced in collaboration with a number of the government’s financial partners, would be available in several formats.
“Some will be equipped with electronic wallets to facilitate financial transactions, while others will be designed for students,” he stated.
Mr. Obaseki added, “The policy dictates that you may not be allowed to interact with government services in Edo State if you do not have the residence card. No kid will be admitted to our schools if their parents are unknown; they must all be registered as citizens.
“Under the NIMC program, this Residency Card is connected to the National Identity Care. This card was issued using the same algorithm as NIMC.’
The Governor asked all Edo State residents to register in order to receive their identification cards.
“You may not need the card physically, but you must provide us with your identification number,” he continued.
The Governor elaborated, “In all of your dealings with us, your identification number will be shown.” You cannot communicate with government if we do not know you. If we do not know who you are and where you live in our state, we cannot provide you with land in Edo, health insurance, or register your building designs.
The Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, Esq., who handed the first identification card to the governor, stated that the identity card project is one of the state government’s various innovative and progressive initiatives.
He emphasized that the residence identification card will enable the government efficiently prepare for the state’s development, growth, and success.
By Besiru Enakhimion. Benin City, FIC