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The Place Of Technology In Edo State 2020 Gubernatorial Elections

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Governor Godwin Obaseki will continue another tenure after defeating his closest political rival Osagie size-Iyanu, the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate at the Edo State 2020 Gubernatorial Election.

According to the results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Obaseki polled 307,955 while Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who had 223,619 votes.

It would be recalled that In 2016, Governor Obaseki won his first as a candidate of the APC, with strong support from his predecessor Adams Oshiomhole, former National Chairman of the APC. In 2020 they became the worst of political enemies after they both fell out.

The squabble between Obaseki and Oshiomhole generated divisions in Edo State and further heightened the political feud between APC and PDP. Obaseki was denied the flag bearer ticket at his time in APC on the grounds of divided interests with party leaders. But eventually decamped to PDP where he was given the ticket to represent the party.

The political saga was becoming alarming that an average Nigerian could easily deduce that Edo election seemed like a political battle between Governor Obaseki and APC godfathers – Adams Oshiomhole and Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The battle got intensified to the extent that Governor Obaseki appeared to have been silenced despite being the Governor of the state.

Role Of Technology

Going into the election, the confidence level of Nigerians were abysmally low due to irregularities that have always crippled electioneering results in the country. While it’s easy for Nigerians to attribute the victory of Governor Obaseki to President Muhammadu Buhari’s continued reassurance and commitment towards a free and fair election. And the warning letters by the US and UK to the Nigerian government ahead of the Edo Election which may have lowered politicians to manipulate the election. However, one major factor that stands out is the technology that was deployed in the electioneering process.

It once again shows that technology has continued to prove beyond every doubt that it’s capable of making a significant impact. Almost all the sectors of the economy have been hugely affected by technology and Nigeria is beginning to feel that same result on elections.

Edo election would be regarded as one of the most successful elections when compared to Kogi election in 2019 where lives were reportedly lost, coupled with electoral manipulations. Elections without the deployment of technology has a potency of making aggrieved parties file a suit in court. However, with President Muhammadu Buhari already commending the INEC for conducting free and fair elections, the likelihood of going to seek redresss in court is undermined.

Transmission of Election Results Electronically

Some Nigerians who were not able to view the polling units result on television logged on to INEX portal (inecelectionresults.com) to monitor and view the results in real-time. With this electronic transmission of results, it becomes difficult for election results to be manipulated. On Saturday evening, Nigerians were already seeing the results and the announcement on Sunday. The timeliness of the results via electronic transmission is something that is quite different from what has been obtainable in the past.

Regardless, INEC has been at the forefront of deploying technological solutions during elections in Nigeria. The Commission deployed the Z-pad Technology to upload polling unit results to the Result Viewing Portal for the Edo State election.

A week before the election, INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education, Information and Publicity, Festus Okoye had promised only deploy technological solutions it has tested with small bye-elections and is confident of their performance in bigger elections. ”A responsible Commission will not gamble with a big end of tenure election conducted in the shadow of a pandemic,”

Also, INEC deployed the Smart Card Reader, a veritable tool for verification and authentication in the accreditation process. As a fact, Smart Card Reader has brought credibility to the electoral process and the INEC has continued to deploy it. However, the Commission have a responsibility to make it smarter and more robust and we will continue to improve on it.

PDP Vs APC Strategy

Regardless of PDP electioneering campaigns for Governor Obaseki, the party believes that if Edo election was to have a credible election without unnecessary interference that it would win. The PDP understands that technology was the only way to put some excesses into check. The likes of former vice president Atiku Abubakar and PDP Chieftain Osita Udoka have been on the front burner.

Even during the aftermath of the 2019 Presidential Election, one of Chidoka’s assertions against INEC’s dealings was the absence of promised online computing of votes, to which it’s reported that INEC said it has no server.

Particularly, Chidoka has been pushing a technology-driven agenda into Nigerian politics. Prior to the preparation of Edo 2020 Chidoka said he written to INEC asking about online computing of results online, to which they agreed and promised to provide.

Meanwhile, the APC had a different strategic direction. They resorted to media and publicity games against Obaseki. One of the notable media publicity was the sponsored television broadcast by Tinubu. The APC National Leader had urged the people of Edo State not to vote for Obaseki. ”He is not a democrat, ” Tinubu said. Oshiomhole on the other hand was vigorously campaigning for Ize-Iyamu in every nook and cranny of Edo State.

Obaseki appeared to almost becoming helpless due to the wide publicity pushed by the APC. The intensity was so much that over 35 aides working with Obaseki resigned and endorsed Ize-Iyamu. All hope was high that the APC Governorship candidate would have won.

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Refurbished tech: Making a smart choice for a greener future

By Qrent Managing Executive Kwirirai Rukowo

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Kwirirai Rukowo + Refurbished Tech
Kwirirai Rukowo

Consumers and businesses are constantly striving for the latest and greatest technology. However, behind the pursuit of cutting-edge devices lies a significant environmental toll – one that often goes unnoticed. The production of new technology requires vast amounts of natural resources, energy, and labour, contributing to both environmental degradation and significant carbon emissions.

With concerns about sustainability at an all-time high, companies are now looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on performance or innovation. Refurbished tech, such as the solutions offered by Qrent, presents an effective, affordable, and eco-friendly alternative.

The refurbished computers and laptops market is set for remarkable expansion, driven by both cost-effectiveness and a growing commitment to sustainability. According to Credence Research, the market is projected to surge from USD 17,856.6 million in 2024 to USD 39,405 million by 2032, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% during the forecast period.

This growth underlines the increasing adoption of refurbished IT equipment by businesses, educational institutions, and individual consumers as they seek to balance performance with environmental responsibility. The rising trend not only helps organisations reduce capital expenditures but also supports circular economy initiatives by extending the lifecycle of electronic products

As businesses face increasing pressure to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, refurbished tech is fast becoming a preferred choice for companies looking to cut costs while reducing their carbon footprints.

At Qrent, businesses can access high-quality, refurbished IT equipment that meets the demands of modern enterprises while simultaneously supporting sustainability initiatives. The company provides a range of refurbished devices including computers, laptops, and servers, ensuring that businesses can operate efficiently while minimising their environmental impact.

These devices are thoroughly tested and restored to like-new condition, offering the same reliability and performance as their brand-new counterparts but with a fraction of the carbon footprint.

Refurbished tech and the circular economy

The transition to a circular economy – a system that emphasises reusing, recycling, and remanufacturing – has become a critical strategy in tackling the world’s waste crisis. The electronics industry is one of the largest contributors to this crisis, with e-waste being the fastest-growing waste stream globally.

By choosing refurbished technology from Qrent, businesses contribute directly to the circular economy. When companies choose to refurbish and extend the lifecycle of their IT devices, they prevent valuable resources from ending up in landfills and reduce the demand for new products, thereby conserving raw materials and decreasing pollution.

Qrent’s refurbishment process includes the responsible recycling of old components and ensures that all equipment is brought back to life in an eco-friendly manner. This not only helps in reducing waste but also plays a significant role in limiting the environmental impact of tech manufacturing.

Embracing circular economy strategies not only prolongs the lifespan of IT assets but also significantly cuts down the need for new manufacturing – thereby reducing carbon emissions. The 2024 Forrester Report on The Circular Economy & Sustainable Manufacturing reveals that a substantial share of firms are already reaping sustainability benefits: 38% have adopted innovative delivery and fulfilment options that minimise waste, 32% are improving waste management practices, and 28% are focusing on more efficient material sourcing.

By opting for refurbished technology, companies can leverage these practices to lower reliance on virgin materials and the high emissions associated with producing new devices, marking a crucial step toward a greener, more sustainable IT procurement model.

Attaining your sustainability goals

Qrent provides businesses with sustainable IT solutions. The company not only supplies refurbished technology but also offers a comprehensive range of services that include equipment leasing, IT asset management, and secure data destruction. Businesses can now gain access to a scalable solution that meets their IT needs while simultaneously supporting their ESG initiatives.

The company’s commitment to reducing e-waste is evident in its emphasis on responsible recycling and disposal practices. When companies dispose their old IT equipment with Qrent through their IT Asset Disposal Solution, they can be confident that their devices will be decommissioned properly and reused, ensuring that valuable materials like metals, plastics, and glass are recovered and re-entered into the manufacturing cycle.

This process prevents toxic substances from polluting the environment and ensures that e-waste is managed in a safe, responsible manner.

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Anambra State Government Launches SolutionLens to Drive Transparency and Citizen Engagement

Reporter: SANDRA ANI

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SolutionLens launch
Officials at the SolutionLens launch

In a bold step towards deepening transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance, the Anambra State Government has officially launched SolutionLens, a tech-driven platform designed to track government projects and strengthen engagement between citizens and the state.

The launch event, which was held on Thursday 15th May, 2025 at the SID  Building in Awka, brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society groups, community representatives, development partners, and the media.

The platform was developed through a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Information, and the Anambra State ICT Agency.

Representing the Governor, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, the commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, described SolutionLens as “OGP made easy and a democratic tool.” She emphasized its value in planning, budgeting, and fostering investor confidence, thanks to its community-based feedback mechanisms.

In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Ogochukwu Orji, the State Coordinator of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), noted that SolutionLens is “built to shine a light on public projects and empower citizens to ask questions, hold government accountable, and ensure our shared resources are used for the common good.”

Key features of the platform include:

  • A centralized digital hub for government projects
  • Interactive maps and a user-friendly interface
  • A live chat feature to connect citizens directly with MDAs

Speaking during the event, Dr. Law Mefor affirmed that the platform will help Ndi Anambra “access real-time information on what government is doing,” while CFA highlighted its ability to “capture and preserve moments,” underscoring the value of technology in governance.

SolutionLens launch
Government officials present at the SolutionLens launch

One of the key highlights of the launch was a live demonstration of the SolutionLens platform, followed by the formal inauguration of MDA focal persons who will serve as key liaison officers in ensuring the platform remains updated and responsive.

Participants at the launch commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for this forward-thinking initiative, describing SolutionLens as a game-changer in how government connects with its people.

As part of its next steps, the government urged all citizens to actively engage with the platform and help spread awareness. This, they emphasized, will not only benefit Ndi Anambra today but safeguard the integrity and prosperity of the state for generations to come.

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Nigeria’s Biggest Tech Conference Opens in Enugu

Minister Bosun: I’ve never seen anything so big | Mbah: We’re driven by the knowledge that the future is technology, reports SANDRA ANI

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Enugu Tech Festival
L-R: Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tjinani; and the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, during the opening of the 2025 Enugu Tech Festival at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, Wednesday.

The 2025 Enugu Tech Festival being organised by the Enugu State Government kicked off on Wednesday with the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, describing it as the biggest technology conference that has ever happened in Nigeria.

Tijani said the Tech Festival, which attracted thousands of youths from within and outside the state, was a major leap for Nigeria’s determination to build a robust digital economy, noting that Enugu State under Governor Peter Mbah, had moved from policy to progress to lead the tech revolution in Nigeria.

This was even as Governor Peter Mbah urged the youths to embrace technology, insisting that the future is technology.

Speaking, the Minister said that the Tech Festival, tagged Coal to Code, fitted into the agenda and activities of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, having recognised that the future of digital economy in Nigeria would not only be built in Abuja, but would instead be co-created across all states.

“Enugu is showing how this should and will be done. I have never, never been to a conference on technology in Nigeria that is this big. I founded the first technology hub in Nigeria, the very first in Nigeria. So, I know a thing or two when technology people gather. I can assure you that today, you are part of history because we have never seen anything this big in Nigeria before.

“There is something powerful about your state: the energy, the ambition, the possibilities. Just two years ago, only a few people could imagine this kind of tech momentum. But today, Enugu has not just imagined, Enugu is building it. Under two years, we have seen investment in digital infrastructure, and the innovation ecosystem of the state.

“What is happening today in Enugu is part of something bigger. We are now witnessing a generational rise, not one where people complain and protest, but one where creativity is used to shape the future. Not just with passion, but with precision,” he stated.

While commending the participants for rising to “create the kind of Nigeria the world will pay attention to,” Tijani called for collaboration, commitment, and hard work by all stakeholders to make it happen.

“Progress is not automatic, but needs all of us. It needs the government to continue to be brave. It needs the private sector to invest deeper. It needs mentors, builders, teachers, and it needs leaders,” he concluded.

Speaking, Governor Mbah, while highlighting how his administration had invested in technology to dramatically revolutionise security, land administration, education, among others, noted that the Enugu Tech Festival was part of his government’s wider efforts to build the youth of the state into wealth creators and highly sought-after workforce of tomorrow’s workplace.

“The power of technology and innovation and what we can accomplish is something that I want the youths to be mindful of. If you look at the way things are being done in the world today, we are now talking about an era where people just sit down with great ideas, create platforms where they begin to essentially benefit from that platform.

“An example is the Uber that came and disrupted the city taxi without owning a key. Today, they provide by far the largest traffic just by creating a platform. You can extend that to Airbnb. Without owning a key, these guys have disrupted the business of those who own several brick and mortar houses. You can also extend that to Tesla. That is the power of technology. This shows essentially that technology is where the future is,” he emphasised.

In his remark, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, said the Enugu Tech Festival, which would now become an annual event, underscored a paradigm shift from the old Enugu known for coal to one that has become a rising force in Nigeria’s tech-driven future, a beacon of innovation, intellectual capital, digital enterprise, and endless possibilities.

“For decades, our identity was built on coal, a resource that powered Nigeria’s industrial rise. But today, we stand in a different kind of power—the power of knowledge, innovation, and technology,” he stated.

Also at the event were the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Barth Nnaji; Chairman of Zinox Technical, Leo Stan Ejeh; and the Group Managing Director, Afrinvest, Dr. Ike Chioke, among a host of others.

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