News

United Nations Ranks Edo As Best State In ICT, Digital Governance In Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

October 13, 2023

In recognition of the e-governance reforms by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, the United Nations, has ranked Edo as the best state in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and digital governance in Nigeria.

The state got the recognition at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Design Workshop held in Lagos, which had in attendance representatives from the 36 states of the country, including Commissioners and Managing Directors of state ICT agencies and parastatals, among others.

A statement issued by Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie said the Obaseki-led government has in the past seven years undertaken bold and transformative reforms in the state’s civil and public service, transitioning the service delivery from an archaic, analogue and strenuous mode of operations to a digitised, seamless and efficient mode.

The statement added that the state is today the most connected digitally in Nigeria and operates the most digitised civil and public service, with all local governments connected to fibre optics.

Responding to the honour at the well-attended event in Lagos, the Edo State Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Hon. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, commended Obaseki for being a trailblazer in the ICT sector.

He noted, “I felt like a superstar at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) workshop as Honourable Commissioners from across the nation, Managing Directors of States’ ICT agencies gathered in Lagos to brainstorm about the levels of digital transformation in their States, challenges and possible solutions to the challenges.

“At this event, I really appreciated how far we have come in Edo State and why we are ranked number one in ICT and Digital Governance in Nigeria.

“We are about the only State that has gone paperless in our government processes. Some States are centuries behind on this. With our almost 80 percent e-government compliance in the civil and public service, we lead all other States.”

He further noted, “While many States are trying to negotiate with Galaxy Backbone, the Nation’s Data Center for web hosting and others, Edo State has a tier-3 State-of-the-art Data Center with over 1.5 petabyte data storage space with a 99.9 percent efficiency level.

“When I told my colleagues that our civil/public servants are the best paid in the country and have the best working environment, they were in awe. To be honest, I was a very proud Edo son and an extremely proud Commissioner for Digital Economy today.

“I had everyone asking me how we did it, asking about our EdoBEST programme, asking how we are able to pay N40,000 minimum wage, asking about our Edo Innovates hub, among others.”

The Commissioner added, “In the next few weeks, I will be hosting a lot of my colleagues in Benin. They want to come to see what magic we have done in the Digital Economy of our State.

“Special appreciation to my Governor, Godwin Obaseki, for being a trailblazer in the ICT sector. To be honest, I was prouder of him today than I’ve ever been. Kudos to you, boss!”

News

Lagos Govt Warns Against False Oba-elect Claims In Epe

Published

4 hours ago

July 26, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Government has issued a strong warning to people presenting themselves as the Oba-elect of the Olu of Epe Kingdom, following the recent passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Shefiu Adewale, the 19th monarch of the kingdom.

Oba Adewale, who died on May 31 at the age of 86, was laid to rest the same day in accordance with Islamic rites.

In a statement released on the official Facebook page of the Lagos State Government on Friday, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr Bolaji Robert, clarified that no official approval has been given to anyone regarding succession to the Olu of Epe stool.

“The public, especially residents of Epe and its environs, are hereby informed that the state government has not approved any person as the new Olu of Epe. Anybody parading themselves as such is acting unlawfully,” the statement read.

The commissioner emphasized that the process of selecting and installing traditional rulers in Lagos is governed by clearly defined legal and administrative protocols, none of which have been activated for the Olu of Epe succession.

Mr Robert urged residents to disregard any claims by self-proclaimed monarchs and avoid offering traditional courtesies or recognition to such people, warning that doing so could amount to aiding impersonation.

He also revealed that security agencies have been directed to ensure peace and investigate any unauthorized claims to the royal title, with a view to prosecuting offenders under the Lagos State Obas and Chiefs Law.

“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains committed to upholding due process and safeguarding the integrity of traditional institutions across the state,” the commissioner added.

News

AEDC Gives Reason For Blackout In Parts Of Abuja

Published

4 hours ago

July 26, 2025

Editor

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, has explained that the blackout being experienced in parts of the nation’s capital is due to a technical fault.

AEDC made this known in a notice on Saturday on its X account.

The Disco said the outage affected several areas in Abuja, including Jabi, Kado Estate, part of Life Camp, Gishiri, Mabuchi, Kadokuchi, Navy Estate, Anan House, Jahi Village, NAF Conference Centre, Lake View Phase 1&2, Custom Quarters, Dakibiu and environs.

The Disco said it is working to fix the technical fault.

However, it did not state when electricity supply would be restored to the affected areas.

“We regret to inform you that the ongoing power outage affecting your area is due to a technical fault.

“Our technical team is working tirelessly to restore power supply as quickly as possible.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to serve you better,” the Disco stated.

News

UNICAL VC Selection Thwarted As Court Halts Process, Transfers Case To Abuja

Published

4 hours ago

July 26, 2025

Editor

The processes of getting a new Vice Chancellor to replace Professor Florence Obi of the University of Calabar, UNICAL, has reportedly been thwarted following the restraining order by National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Calabar, stopping the Governing Council from proceeding with the ongoing selection process.

The court order with Suit No. NICN/CA/40/2025, signed and sealed by its registrar, Egba Juliet Peter, directed stoppage of the selection process pending determination of the motion.

A new Vice-Chancellor was slated to emerge at the end of the current administration’s tenure in December 2025 but this schedule will no longer be.

The Suit was filed by one of the applicants, Professor Joseph Eyo Duke, a claimant, challenging the advertisement published on 27 May 2025 which listed that possible contenders must possess at least 10 years post-professorial experience.

Prof. Duke said such a requirement is unlawful. arguing that it emanated from an emergency meeting of the University Council held on 25 March 2025.

He further insisted that the criterion is rooted in a non-existent regulation.

The motion ex-parte, dated and filed on 21 July 2025, sought an interim injunction restraining UNICAL and its Governing Council from enforcing or acting upon the advertisement pending determination of the motion on notice.

Upon hearing counsel the claimant, Ubong Akpan, Justice Sanusi Kado granted accelerated hearing of both the motion on notice and the substantive suit.

He also ordered the transfer of the matter to Abuja to be heard by a vacation judge.

The judge directed all parties to maintain the status quo, refraining from any action that could jeopardise the fair hearing of the suit. and fixed August 7, 2025 for hearing of the motion on notice at the Abuja Division.