Osun launches new online platform

In its effort to raise the bar of public participation in governance, the Osun State Government has unveiled a new online platform under its New Media plans
The Director Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Alhaji Semiu Okanlawon, in a statement said the state government opened the online platform to further its drive for innovation and transparency.
The statement also added that the Osun State Government, through this effort, seeks to raise the bar of public engagement and deepen the state brand in the increasingly vibrant Nigerian online space.
Okanlawon said: “The Osun New Media Project seeks to provide the global online audience with a one-stop shop for uniquely robust coverage of Osun. This online platform will break from convention by showcasing information beyond the state government.
“The platform will avail the public of such information that is more relevant to the needs of citizens (local and diaspora), investors and interested parties. This innovation in content will include information on; Osun Social and Emergency Services, Profiles and Contact Details of Key Officials across all levels and arms of Government among other project.”
Okanlawon added that the platform boasts of interesting citizens’ engagement features that are arguably firsts among government websites in the country.
He stressed that such features will allow for deeper interactivity with citizens, investors and interested parties, adding that it is believed that the provision of such features will bring governance closer to the people and consequently engender development.
The Director revealed: “Know Your Reps, is one of such new features that the platform offers. As the name suggests, the feature allows the average Osun citizen to access the profile details of key elected and/or appointed officials that serve the citizen’s respective constituency.
“The feature works, by showcasing the profile details (Name, Office and Contact) of the Local Government Chairman/Executive Secretary, State House of Assembly Member, Federal House of Representative and Senator once the citizen (based anywhere in the world) indicates his/her local government.”
He held that, with such information at people’s disposal, Osun State citizens will be able to enquire or follow-up on development issues, directly with their elected representatives at various levels of government.
Okanlawon also revealed that the online platform will also provide a dynamic, citizens feedback feature, aptly named Meet the Ogbeni, noting that through this tool, users will be able to channel messages or enquiries to government from the comfort of their homes or offices.