E-Voting: A vindication of Zinox boss, Leo-Stan Ekeh

Commentary@ITRealms: 

In what is apparently a justification of the call made months ago by serial digital entrepreneur and Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, the Senate has amended the Electoral Act of 2010 to legalise the use of smart card readers for the authentication of accredited voters as was done in the 2015 general election.

The amendment to the Act will also pave the way for electronic voting in future elections.

The Senate also empowered the presiding officer at polling units to, in addition to the smart card reader, use any other technological device that may be prescribed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from time to time for the accreditation of voters to verify, confirm or authenticate the genuineness or otherwise of voters’ card.

The passage of the Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2010 and for other related matters followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on INEC on Thursday. The bill, which passed its third reading, also stipulates that votes and recorded results must be transmitted electronically directly from polling units in an encrypted and secured form.

The amendment provides that if for some reason the encrypted data is compromised, the presiding officer would have to rely on the manual collation, which could however be prone to manipulation. Where the encrypted data is safe, it completely supersedes the manual results.

The amendment is also offering a solution to the ambiguity that may occur in the event a candidate dies after the commencement of elections and before the declaration of a winner by INEC, as was the case during the Kogi gubernatorial election.

As far back as May 2016, Ekeh had declared that the time is ripe for Nigeria to deepen its democratic culture through the full deployment of electronic voting during elections.

He had made the call while appearing as the keynote speaker at a retreat organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral and Political Parties Matter held on Friday, May 27th 2016 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja where he disclosed that with the rapid pace of technological advancements, Nigeria stands to reap a lot of benefits from the deployment of e-voting, stressing that the initiative will go a long way in reducing litigations and strengthening the faith of Nigerians in the electoral process.

In a paper titled - New thoughts, ideas and innovations on use of ICT in elections - Ekeh affirmed that the gains recorded with the use of the card readers in the 2015 general elections goes a long way to show that with the adoption of e-voting, the country will take a huge leap towards sound democratic governance.

“The country is ripe for transition to electronic voting. In your life, there must be a little bit of disruption for you to move forward. With the use of the card readers in the last general elections, we saw a significant reduction in electoral fraud. However, a few challenges still existed as no technology can be said to be 100% perfect.

“A country cannot move forward where the elected leaders who take decisions are not the choice of the people. It’s like running a company and you are a shareholder in that company. If your son is not qualified to lead, you will be destroying that company by manipulating the system to favour that son. So, this was the essence of our submission to INEC on the adoption of electronic voting – that things should be done professionally with your support and that of the entire nation.

“Today, there are about 774 local governments in the country and each one with about 10, 800 polling units, some of which are in the riverine areas. Even if INEC purchases 1000 vehicles, it will still find it difficult logistics-wise to cover all the areas and this leaves the process open to manipulation by emergency contractors as INEC lacks the requisite man-power.

“If finally adopted and implemented, electronic voting will ensure that you now have reasonable infrastructure to handle this. While you have the mobile units and active screens at the polling units, the database of registrants or eligible voters is sitting at the national database of INEC.

“Once a voter’s number is entered at the polling unit, it pulls up the details of the voter from the list of registered voters. Verification will no longer be a problem and during voting, once a voter clicks on the icon of a chosen party, the same information hits the INEC back-end. This will go a long way in reducing litigations as INEC can provide verifiable evidence in court.

“With this technology in place, voters will no longer have to travel back to their wards to cast their votes. Furthermore, INEC can also monitor the entire process easily as each electronic voting device is equipped with a tracker and can be configured to shut down immediately voting ends.”

Tracing the country’s march and transition towards electronic voting, digital ICT entrepreneur Ekeh had also examined the benefits and challenges of the Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines used during the 2007 elections and the painstaking process which eventually culminated in the use of the card readers for the 2015 general elections.

“When Prof. Jega came on board, a decision was made to do a proper data capturing of eligible voters. We started the process and I must thank the National Assembly as they supported us despite being a local company.

“We designed the technology and ended up working for everybody in deploying the Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines nationwide including the 600 servers. These helped promote the concept of one man, one voter card, streamlined the electoral process and also reduced multiple registration, ineligible and under-age registrants – we did a lot of these from the back-end. As a result, we were able to deliver a strong database which reduced arguments and other related issues.

“From there, we moved to the use of card readers. Back then, there were calls for proposals for electronic voting which the National Assembly to a large extent didn’t consider as the country was seen as not ripe to embrace the technology then. Most of the issues encountered with the card readers had to do with the National Assembly and the budget for INEC as well as the late release of funds after election dates had been set, among other disruptions. So, INEC had no time to conduct a mock election using the card readers. I had recommended a regional mock then as this would have helped smoothen the process.”

At the retreat, Ekeh had equally seized the opportunity to urge the National Assembly in the march to transit to e-voting, noting that it would go a long way to foster a more progressive Nigeria.

“I would like to plead with the National Assembly to support INEC in its effort to adopt electronic voting. Until we embrace this disruption, the nation will not move forward in this regard because the government is the decider of the future of the people. If you appoint a CEO who cannot read a balance sheet, it’s impossible for that company to grow. This is the crisis the country is currently facing in the knowledge business,” he had concluded.

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Osibanjo to lead Leo-Stan Ekeh, Okere, Obaro @ eNigeria expo 2016

ITRealms:

The Vice President of the Federal republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has been confirmed to declare open the eNigeria Expo and Conference 2016, reports ITRealms.

He will be joined by the likes of chairman of Zinox Technologies, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Founder CWG, Mr Austin Okere and chief executive of Systemspecs, Mr. John Obaro, among others. 

The event being organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), according to the Head, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, would see Osinbajo who also is the Special Guest of Honour at the event slated for the International Conference Centre, Abuja from November 22^nd - 24^th 2016.

With the theme: “Leveraging on IT Innovation for Economic Diversification" Umar told ITRealms, is in line with the Nigerian government's policy thrust of diversifying the economy to cope with the rapidly dwindling revenues from the oil sector. Nigeria’s ICT sector has experienced tremendous growth and it has been identified as a credible alternative to oil as a main source of income for the country.

According to her, over the years, eNigeria has created a veritable platform for ICT awareness creation, developing the appropriate framework and setting goals for best practices to position Nigeria in the global information society.

Considering the significance and influence on the growth of ICT landscape that the event is characterized of, stakeholders have put their strong support behind the success of the event once again.  

Umar also quoted the Director General of NITDA,  Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, as saying “ eNigeria  is the  biggest ICT event by the Nigerian government and  has become a platform to explore collaborations between government and private sector players.

Further, she said underscored the event discussions to include on tech start-ups, cyber security, local content and e government.  Others include NITDA-Nihilient eGovernance Awards, Selfie and Barbecue Night and Women in ICT  Dinner and Recognition.

Other conference speakers James Agada, CEO, Computer Warehouse Group, Olusola Teniola, President of the Association Telecoms Companies of Nigeria, ATCON,  Mr. Yele Okeremi, CEO of Precise Financial Systems, Juliet Ehimuen Google Nigeria Country Manager , Dipo Faulkner, Country General Manager, IBM Nigeria, Michelle Messina, Eric Osiakwan, Managing Partner at Chanzo Capital,  Tope Aladenusi, Partner, Risk Advisory, Deloitte Nigeria Helen Anatogu Programme Director and CEO at Ideahub and a host of other notable speakers have confirmed their attendance.

Nonye Dom/GEE

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Leo-Stan Ekeh Foundation lifts YUBOSS with N1.5bn

ITRealms:

First class promoter of 21^st century knowledge through quality education, practical entrepreneurship, healthy living and enhanced lifestyle, the Leo-Stan Ekeh Foundation, has lifted YUBOSS with the sum of N1.5B, reports ITRealms.

YUBOSS, ITRealms reports is an entrepreneurship and wealth creation scheme set up by pioneer composite retail chain Yudala and supported by Access Bank and Airtel.

This is coming as all is now set for the official unveiling of YUBOSS scheme by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige this Friday by 6pm, at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja, as part of activities at the Yudala Zero Gravity Contemporary Music Concert which will feature leading artistes such as Phyno, Naeto C, Cynthia Morgan and David Grey, among others.  

ITRealms also gathered that YUBOSS is a credible platform powered by Yudala for hard working Nigerian youths with the right business mindset and creative energy to become their own bosses and certified billionaires in the near future without being indebted to any bank.

Thus, YUBOSS members are entitled to attractive commissions and credit facilities as well as a wide range of benefits including business mentorship sessions and capacity-building workshops.

Affirming this development, Head, Wealth Creation department of the Foundation, Mrs. Ibukun Toluwase, explained that the scheme was structured to see members rise through the ranks and ultimately become the part-owner of a Yudala franchise store when they achieve platinum status.

As said by her, the sum of N500m will be disbursed to qualified agents of Yudala in the first 12 months interest free and those who perform exceptionally well, will benefit from an additional investment of N10m each, interest free for at least two years before repaying the capital.

“The Foundation’s strategy is to partner indirectly with practical entrepreneurs who will not rely on banks to create billions, especially in this period when our banks are very reluctant to lend,” she said.

She pointed out that the aim is to use a successful platform such as Yudala Online and Offline retail stores located nationwide to build up quality entrepreneurs who could create, defend and sustain wealth even during disruptive periods such as the one Nigerians are passing through at the moment.

“All qualified YUBOSS members will be fully documented, trained and mentored by Mr. Ekeh himself,” she declared, stressing that already, the foundation has installed digital infrastructure like video conferencing and other smart devices in major cities like Abuja, Port Harcourt, Imo and Lagos, among others to make online interaction live.

“We intend to achieve this in all state capitals for easier mentoring,” she assured.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Leo-Stan to chair book on ‘Our Nigerian Story’

ITRealms:

The group chairman of Zinox Technologies, Dr. Leo-Stan Ekeh has been confirmed as the chairman of a book launch on Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), entitled 'Our Nigerian Story,' reports ITRealms.

The author, Olabisi Olaleye, confirmed to ITRealms that the book launch scheduled for Thursday, May 5 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the chairmanship of Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, Chief Executive Officer, Zinox Technologies Limited, would also play host to Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, acting Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, among others.

The Ake, Ogun State-born author, also quoted Zinox boss as saying that this is a worthy project from an authority figure in the industry.

“The author is well known to me and has been documenting the growth of our company and the industry. Zinox will definitely do everything in my power to support a worthy cause,” he said.

A press statement made available to ITRealms, the Special Adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, said, the author has distinguished herself in the industry with more than a decade of experience witnessing milestones and key policy formulations from the front row.

“The book is coming at a time when the Buhari administration is repositioning the ICT sector to become the biggest contributors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the economy. It is a book that should be in the archive of every Nigerian. It is written in a way to attract a non-reading society while not losing the technical details.

‘Our Nigerian Story' by Olaleye, he further said, highlighted the demographic dividend or the large population in Nigeria, though still growing, but has been a critical factor that attracted telecom investment into the country with the sector presently boosting of over $32 billion from about $500 million in 2001.

“Olaleye, has painstakingly put the story in a book format for the business decision purposes,” Adesina said.

ITRealms recalls that the author, Olabisi Olaleye, a 1998 graduate of Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, has undergone several local and international trainings to enhance her career.

Currently working with The Sun Publishing Limited Nigeria, publishers of The Sun Newspaper, boost of and with over 12 years,  experience in journalism; she has several awards in her kitty including ‘Rotary International Humanitarian Report Award’ (2012) as well as a three -time winner of ‘Best ICT Reporter of the Year’ awards and married with children.

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Ekeh blames Igbo elites for zero investment on digital wealth creation infrastructure in south-east

ITRealms:

The Chairman of Zinox Group, one of Africa's biggest integrated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) conglomerates, Dr. Leo-Stan Ekeh has decried lack of zero investment on 21^st century digital wealth creation infrastructure in south-east, reports ITRealms.

South-east, ITRealms gathered is made up of Igbo ethnic group, Ekeh said is not ready to take advantage of the limitless opportunities which abound to create digital wealth.

Speaking on Wednesday, at the first ever Enugu State Investment Summit tagged Oganiru 2016 which held at the Michael Okpara Square, Ekeh decried the nonchalant attitude of some South East Governors who, according to him, have near zero investment on infrastructure for digital wealth creation in the 21^st century.

Serial digital entrepreneur Ekeh who featured as one of the guest speakers at the summit wondered how leaders in the region intended to create billionaires who will pay taxes in the near future without any form of concrete investment in place for providing opportunities and nurturing the youths.

“I must state here that the Igbos are not ready for digital wealth creation as it is obvious that leaders in the region are not ready to transit to building the knowledge economy which holds the key to achieving this,” he stated.

“Digital wealth is the new mega wealth that rewards the effort in few months or years but you must create solid platforms to uplift you; It is about building creative platforms for our kids and millions of today’s restive youths which will channel their energies and passion towards what is termed today as true miracle wealth. Increased access to education as captured in the building of a knowledge economy, a clear change of attitude, visioning the bigger picture and liberalization of access to information through ICT are core essential requirements to achieving this.

"This is a century of results and not efforts and sincerely, no one was created by God to be poor in this century but government must invest in critical infrastructure for her people to benefit."

Ekeh, who expressed deep concern with the resource gap between Igbos of his age and the next generation of youths, disclosed that many in his generation were able to build and defend their franchises because the economy was transiting in all sectors from analogue to digital, which they were able to key into.

“This is why you will observe that there is no noticeable gap between my generation and when the likes of erstwhile leaders and successful businessmen from the South-East such as  Odimegwu Ojukwu, Chief Augustine Ilodibe, Godwin Alaefuna Tabansi, Akwiwus and Ferdinand Anaghara, among others held sway.

“It is unfortunate that the next level after us has not been able to interface due to lack of determination by government to invest and create platforms that will host our brilliant but impatient kids to activate wealth in this century. Some states in Nigeria are now run on pay-as-you-go as some of our leaders are not interested in investing in quality relevant infrastructure which is the foundation to sustenance of an economy. This is why all manners of social vices such as kidnapping have become an occupation.

“My sincere advice is that it is not too late to make a fresh start. The Presidential Hotel Enugu and Imo Concorde Hotel, for instance could be converted by both state governments into digital incubation centres which could raise 200 companies each with a prospect of creating more wealth in the next four years than the annual allocation of each state.  Why can’t we host the largest movie production studio and entertainment centre in same premises for cost efficiency?

“The multiplier effect is unquantifiable in the long run as the first two years will see each state employing over a thousand five hundred potential dollar billionaires. I panic because my people love the good life, have energy and intelligence and are today more educated than most of us and the generation before us. If the government ignores them in this new race for digital wealth, they will incubate negatively and the Igbo nation may face eternal crisis.

“We are now in a century where Godfathers will become obsolete in the 2nd quarter while  competence, capacity and commitment shall be the basis for survival. We are nearly over with the phase where bank loans and contracts are extended based on emotions or who you know. We are now faced with the reality of knowledge of what you do as many youths can potentially create more wealth in a year than their parents created in two generations.”

While commending the Enugu State Government for the courage in organizing this world-class summit, he advised the Governor to identify few sectors that Enugu must lead in Africa and possibly in the world and invest in them. Ekeh urged leaders in the South-East to embrace the global revolution in digital wealth creation.

"You must invest in quality education, protect basic infrastructure like fibre optic cables, power stations, telecoms towers and cell sites etc. for the growth of the region. There are so many investors including myself looking for conducive places in Nigeria to invest and Enugu could be that hub that should be seen as cost efficient, friendly and futuristic."

 Ekeh who received a standing ovation for his speech, advised Igbo parents to invest less on dead, analogue assets like property and other short-term status assets and instead take sensible risks with their well-informed children. While describing himself as a testimony in the new digital space, he insists that parents must trust our well-trained youths because they understand global economic direction, are better educated, more exposed and will create unquantifiable wealth with style for themselves, the family, state and the nation. 

According to him, his book which is set for release next year will reveal a bit more on these worthwhile and life-changing interventions.

The three-day summit with the theme, “Beyond Oil: Fostering Inclusive Economic Growth & Sustainable Development”, brought together local and international business leaders and investors, bankers, financiers, the diplomatic community and the academia to explore Enugu’s rich potential – and that of the entire South-East – in a wide range of industries including agriculture, solid minerals and mining, power generation and distribution, infrastructure and real estate development, tourism and hospitality, education, ICT, media and entertainment.

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Zinox boss, Ekeh advises Buhari on using ICT as bedrock of governance

DigitalSENSE Business News:

The chairman of Zinox Group, Dr. Leo-Stan Ekeh has advised the in-coming Federal Government of General Muhammadu Buhari (retired) to make Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as the bedrock of his administration, reports DigitalSENSE Business News.

According to him, there is need for the government to always and from onset make adequate budgetary provision for the ICT sector.

Ekeh also told DigitalSENSE Business News in Lagos that nowadays, every business and particularly the youths who are provably the future leaders are now born into digital hemisphere, hence adequate provision must be made for them to exist and excel, thus becoming globally competitive.

He commended the outgoing President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for creating the Ministry of Communication Technology, but urged the incoming government of Gen. Buhari to be foresighted in its programming and implementation of economic solutions capable of translating into democratic dividends for ordinary Nigerians at this digital age.

This, he stressed must be aligned with ICT beginning with enabling environment for all players both local and foreign investors.

Zinox boss emphasized that every effort must be centred on ICT because it has become an enabling factor for other sectors of the economy to grow, therefore deserves optimal attention in terms of investment by the government of the day.

 
+Remmy Nweke (ITRealms)
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