The thanksgiving gathering was held at Ekeh’s residence and was organised by his wife and children, with opening prayer led by Reverend Father Francis Ike of the Church of Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi. Obasanjo attended with his wife.

Speaking at the event, Obasanjo described Ekeh as “an achiever and a very kind man who deserves to be celebrated.” He said Ekeh was among those who took advantage of opportunities created during his administration between 1999 and 2007.

According to him, it is one thing to create opportunities and another to identify and use them. He said Ekeh was one of the people whose success made it possible for others to credit his government with encouraging investment and wealth creation.

Obasanjo said he was proud of Ekeh’s achievements and urged Nigerians to continue seeking opportunities despite economic challenges. He added jokingly that Ekeh would celebrate 80, 90 and 100 years, drawing laughter from guests.

Also present at the event was veteran journalist and Vanguard publisher Sam Amuka. Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola attended with his wife.

Other dignitaries included former INEC Chairman Professor Maurice Iwu; Chairman of MTN, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe; Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Atedo Peterside; Chairman of Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu; Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; and Chairman of Seplat Energy, Mr. Udoma Udo-Udoma.

Secondary school classmates of Ekeh, including entertainer Charles Oputa, were also in attendance. Ekeh’s elder brother, HRM Eze George Ekeh, traditional ruler of Ishi Ubomiri Autonomous Community in Imo State, performed traditional rites welcoming him into the community’s elders’ circle.

In his remarks, Ekeh thanked Obasanjo for his support over the years and described him as a leader who created room for entrepreneurs to grow. He said he attributed his success to faith, discipline and trust.

Ekeh recalled starting his career as a mass servant and chorister. He said he chose early in life not to drink alcohol or smoke and has kept to that decision. He also spoke about starting his technology business with his school fees at a time when the sector was still developing in his home state.

He said trust and integrity had guided his business decisions and helped him build credibility with partners and institutions.

Ekeh also acknowledged the support of his wife, describing her as a key pillar in his personal and professional life.

The post “A True Achiever”: Obasanjo, Industry Titans Celebrate Zinox Chairman Leo Stan Ekeh at 70 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Today, Sunday, February 22, 2026, Chief Leonard Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh, famously known as Leo Stan Ekeh, has hit the milestone of 70 years.

For those of us in the media who have occupied front-row seats to the evolution of the Nigerian tech ecosystem, this isn’t just a birthday; it is a celebration of institutional resilience.

In a country where the average lifespan of a business rarely outlives its founder’s initial capital, Leo Stan Ekeh has built a multi-vertical empire that has survived military decrees, currency devaluations, and global recessions.

The Genesis: Birthing a First in a Sceptical Nation

Long before Techbro became a buzzword in the ecosystem, Leo Stan was pioneering desktop publishing and computer graphics in Nigeria through Task Systems Ltd in the late 80s. However, his magnum opus arrived in 2001 with the launch of Zinox Technologies.

At the time, the Nigerian market was flooded with foreign brands, IBM, HP, and Compaq. The idea of an indigenous computer was met with profound skepticism.

Yet, Leo Stan didn’t just launch a brand; he secured the first-ever WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certification for an African hardware brand.

By October 2001, Zinox became the first internationally certified branded computer in Sub-Saharan Africa. This wasn’t mere vanity. It was an act of economic patriotism.

He understood that for Africa to be truly competitive, it could not remain a perpetual consumer of foreign hardware. He democratized technology by making high-end computing affordable and, more importantly, tropicalized for the Nigerian power environment.

The Digital Sovereign: Rescuing the Nigerian State

Perhaps the most underrated aspect of Chief Ekeh’s career is his role as a National Tech First Responder. When the Nigerian government faced existential crises in data and democracy, they turned to the Zinox Group.

First, between 2006 and 2011when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) needed to transition to a digital voters’ register, the international community was skeptical of Nigeria’s capacity. Under Ekeh’s leadership, Zinox deployed thousands of Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines in record time, creating the foundation for Nigeria’s modern electoral integrity.

Secondly, the National Population Commission (NPC) around 2023 relied on the Zinox Group for the supply of high-end personal digital assistants (PDAs) and technical support for Nigeria’s first-ever digital census.

Ekeh proved that indigenous companies could handle Sovereign Tech with more precision and less cost than foreign contractors.

Acquisitions and the Konga Masterstroke

Leo Stan Ekeh is a predator in the boardroom, but one who hunts for the sake of survival and synergy. One of the most significant events in African e-commerce history was the 2018 acquisition of Konga by the Zinox Group.

At the time, Konga, a venture-backed pioneer, was bleeding cash and facing an uncertain future. Ekeh, through his son Nnamdi Ekeh, further proving his mettle in succession planning, merged the logistics of Yudala with the digital infrastructure of Konga.

Today, Konga is not just an e-commerce site; it is a logistics powerhouse (K-Express), a fintech player (KongaPay), and a health-tech provider (Konga Health).

This acquisition silenced critics who believed that Nigerian-led e-commerce was a death trap for capital.

He applied the TD Africa (Technology Distributions) philosophy, the largest technology distribution sub-structure in Sub-Saharan Africa, to e-commerce, ensuring that the last mile was no longer a hurdle but a competitive advantage. Today, TD Africa is present in 43 African countries and counting!

My personal Experience with Chief Leo Stan Ekeh

At the turn of 2018, I received an unexpected call from a respected industry leader informing me that I was required at the headquarters of Zinox Group. As a journalist, my instinct was naturally tilted toward breaking a major story. The possibility of an exclusive scoop was all that occupied my mind as I made my way there.

However, upon arrival, I quickly realized that the invitation was not about a news lead. Instead, it was an impromptu interview for the position of Communications Officer at Zinox Group.

Events unfolded rapidly. Within a short time, I found myself standing before the Chairman. Seated in his office was none other than veteran journalist Ray Ekpu, a figure I had long admired in the media industry. The moment felt surreal.

The Chairman’s first question was direct:

“I understand you are reporting for a leading industry news platform. Which one?”

I replied confidently that I was with Nigeria CommunicationsWeek.

He responded firmly, “No.”

For a brief moment, I was taken aback. Sensing my unease, he added with a reassuring smile, “I cannot kill my baby.” He went on to explain that my publisher, Mr. Ken Nwogbo, was a valued associate and friend. He would not undermine that relationship by attempting to poach one of his key team members.

That encounter left a lasting impression on me.

At Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, I had poured myself fully into the brand, championing its vision and contributing passionately to its growth. To this day, I remain proud of that association.

Yet beyond the unexpected career twist, I took away deeper lessons from the Chairman’s disposition, lessons in loyalty, professional ethics, and the importance of long-standing relationships in business. It was a defining moment that reshaped my understanding of leadership: that true leaders value integrity above immediate gain and protect relationships even when opportunity beckons.

In hindsight, what began as a presumed quest for a scoop became instead a masterclass in character.

The Survivor: The Cat with Nine Lives

Again, I felt that character disposition of Chairman while he faced what he termed ‘Corporate Blackmail’ orchestrated by Benjamin Joseph of Citadel Oracle Concepts Ltd, an Enugu indigene based in Ibadan.

While the battled lasted for over 11 years, chairman never felt uneasy each time we have media chat with him. I would throw up questions in that direction. He maintained that what he faced was persecution and not prosecution. (See more here)

Suffice to say, chairman’s journey to 70 has not been a walk through a silicon valley of roses. Chief Ekeh is the proverbial cat with nine lives. He has fought legal and reputational battles that would have buried a man of lesser conviction.

While peers in the industry kissed the dust during regulatory crackdowns or hostile takeovers, Ekeh stood.

His survival isn’t just luck; it is a combination of meticulous corporate governance and a deep-seated spirit of worship. Many who work close to him know him as a man of profound faith, a worshipper of God who credits his boardroom victories to divine strategy rather than just human intellect.

Democratizing Africa’s Tech Future

Today, TD Africa stands as a household name, representing global giants like Microsoft, HP, Cisco, and Dell across the continent. By building a distribution network that spans the hinterlands, Ekeh didn’t just sell boxes; he built the nervous system of the African digital economy.

Statistics show that the Zinox Group has indirectly created over 100,000 jobs across the continent through its partner ecosystem.

His philanthropic arm, the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, has spent billions of Naira on scholarships and entrepreneurship grants, quietly building the next generation of Leos.

The Legacy at 70

As Chief Leo Stan Ekeh turns 70, he remains a Pan-African global citizen. He has proved that a boy from Imo State can dream in binary and build in bricks. He has shown that Indigenous does not mean Inferior.

He has seen the ups and downs of birthing ideas, some that flew instantly and others that required a decade of grit to mature. But through it all, he has remained consistent.

A Prayer for the Chairman: As you step into this platinum jubilee, may the Almighty God, whom you serve with such devotion, grant you renewed vigour. May your nine lives continue to be a shield against the arrows of the envious. We pray that your vision for a $1 trillion Nigerian economy, powered by the digital youth you have championed, becomes a reality in your lifetime. May your wisdom continue to be a lighthouse for the young entrepreneurs of Owerri, Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg.

Happy 70th Birthday, Chief Leonard Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh. Africa is better because you dared to believe.

Fact Sheet for the Leo Stan Ekeh at 70 milestone:

• Date of Birth: February 22, 1956.

• Key Establishment: Zinox Technologies now Group (2001).

• Major Acquisition: Konga (2018).

• Distribution Powerhouse: TD Africa (Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest distributor).

• Philanthropy: Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation.

• National Honors: Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

The post The Architect of Africa’s Digital Renaissance: Leo Stan Ekeh at 70 and the Audacity of Zinox Spirit appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Princess disclosed that Benjamin Joseph is an ingrate who attempted to get her support in diverting Mr. Ekeh’s company fund and join in a smear campaign against Mr. Ekeh, while also expressing surprise that the matter was still a subject of debate in the courts and in the media.

‘‘It has been nearly a decade. For those who do not know, I stood trial in this case along with Mr.  Onny Igbokwe, owner of AD’MAS Digital Technologies Ltd. Our only offence was trying to help someone who was my business partner back then and who also wanted me to marry him but whom I rejected. However, I thank God that justice prevailed in the end after the case was tried fully on its merits. We (I and Mr. Onny Igbokwe) were both discharged and acquitted by an FCT High Court on 24^th February 2021 presided by Honourable Justice Senchi in Charge No. FCT/HC/CR/244/2018, with a sum of N20m awarded as damages against the complainant, Mr. Benjamin Joseph, for false and malicious petitioning and prosecution, and to serve as a deterrent against persons seeking to lodge false petitions with the investigative agencies. So, I am surprised to discover only recently that he is still going around sponsoring all manner of fake write-ups on the same case in which he has a subsisting judgment awarded against him.’’

While stating that the contract in question was awarded as far back as 2012, Princess revealed that Mr. Ekeh was not involved in anyway and neither was his wife because the value of the contract wasn’t that much. She added that it was a business transaction between Citadel Oracle Concepts Ltd. which she was representing at the time and Technology Distributions Ltd., (TD Africa), one of the companies which Mr. Ekeh founded. Furthermore, she added that TD had indeed aided Citadel in executing the contract by extending an interest-free credit facility to it, without which it would have been extremely difficult to deliver as the banks were unwilling to fund the contract and Citadel was not financially strong to fund the business. Consequently, she stated that her conscience and integrity would not permit her to allow Benjamin to continue in his ongoing campaign, which she described as ‘a gross act of ingratitude and an attempt to arm-twist or blackmail Mr. Ekeh for no reason’.

‘‘I have kept a studied silence over the years in this case for obvious reasons. But I must confess that I was shocked to learn recently that this matter is still being reported actively in the media as if it happened today. For the benefit of those in the dark, I aided Benjamin Joseph for a while after he came to me in his time of difficulty in his business. I helped him bid for many contracts using my experience and contacts but when we won part of the FIRS contract, it was hard securing a bank loan to fund the business.

‘‘We approached TD like other vendors did. TD is the biggest authorized distributors of HP and other OEMs in the country. However, Benjamin’s company was rejected because Citadel Oracle Concepts Ltd. had no credit history with them. Mr. Onny Igbokwe, whose company, AD’MAS Digital Technologies Ltd, also through me got part of the same contract from FIRS had been a long-time trading partner of TD’s, agreed to guarantee Citadel for the credit facility after meeting with him (Benjamin) in Lagos. This was how we were able to get TD to fund the contract on our behalf, same as they did for other vendors who won similar lots for the FIRS contract.

‘‘Joseph gave me a duly signed letter of authority and a copy of his international passport and other corporate documents of his company, Citadel Oracle Concepts Limited, empowering me to act on his behalf in bidding for and executing the contract, and this letter was submitted to the FIRS. He also swore on oath in his Witness Statement on Oath in the civil case at Lagos High Court where he admitted this letter and other documents that he gave to me. His Statement on Oath is before the court, so he cannot deny it.

‘‘The account opened for the disbursement of the proceeds of the contract was also approved by him as he issued a duly signed Board resolution for it, which a forensic analysis report has confirmed was not forged. No official of TD was responsible for this. In order to safeguard their funds, however, TD insisted that two of its staff, Mr. Chris Ozims and Mrs. Shade Oyebode, would be signatories to the account. This was the only security held by TD for payment for the laptops supplied to Citadel on credit. We agreed to this and TD swiftly delivered all the laptops complete to the FIRS on our behalf. When the money for the contract was paid, TD duly deducted the pre-agreed sum for the laptops supplied on our behalf. This was when trouble started,’’ she stated.

Revealing that Benjamin had wanted to divert the entire funds received, Princess disclosed that she resisted the move, placing her in the line of her erstwhile business partner’s fire.

‘‘I refused Joseph’s attempts to divert the funds because my integrity was at stake. Here was a company that supported us with an interest-free facility, despite having no prior business relationship with them and whom Joseph now wanted to cheat. Mind you, Mr. Igbokwe was also a guarantor for Citadel. Therefore, going along with Joseph’s plan would have hurt a lot of innocent persons. So, I resisted it.

‘‘This infuriated him and he demanded to take all the profits from the contract which I also resisted because we had a pre-agreed sharing percentage. Chief Afe Babalola, who represented him at the time, tried to intervene by asking me to concede a larger portion of the profit to him but Benjamin was greedy and wanted all. It was at this point that he turned around to claim that he was not aware of the contract, that his company was fraudulently used to execute the contract with a fake Board resolution, and that no single laptop was supplied. Why didn’t he report to the Police earlier if indeed a fraud was perpetrated on his company?”

‘‘He petitioned the Police Special Fraud Unit Lagos (SFU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and later the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. But where he failed is when he accused Mr. Ekeh, his wife and other staff of TD of involvement in the alleged fraud. It was strange because neither Mr. Ekeh nor his wife had ever met or transacted any personal business with Citadel or Mr. Joseph or myself. TD is a very big company that I transacted with officers at the middle level. Our transaction value was small to influence our meeting Mrs. Ekeh. At this point, he started engaging some unscrupulous media persons to embark on a campaign of calumny against Mr. Ekeh, thinking that he will get Mr. Ekeh’s attention to pay more.  I am not sure who gave him the idea that Mr. Ekeh has a lot of money and could give more money just to have peace. But this failed.

‘‘Thankfully, all the investigations by the Police SFU and the EFCC proved that Benjamin was spreading falsehood as forensic analysis of the documents we used to bid for the contract showed that they were duly signed by him. Also, the FIRS confirmed that all the laptops were duly supplied. The investigations equally exonerated all the staff of TD and Mr. Ekeh, who was not even involved in any way with the transaction.  Sadly though, the EFCC charged me and Mr. Onny Igbokwe to court due to the internal issues we were having with Benjamin in Charge No. CR/244/2018 before the FCT High Court. However, after a full trial that lasted for more than two years, we were eventually discharged and acquitted in 2021, as earlier stated. The judgment of the court clearly dismissed all the allegations of Mr. Benjamin Joseph and awarded the sum of N20million as damages against him for false information. It is instructive to note that the staff of TD only testified as prosecution witnesses in that case. Neither the EFCC investigative report nor the judgment of the court indicted them in any way. The judgment is now a public document, so anyone is free to go and read it to know the truth of the matter.

‘‘It is sad that an innocent man who knew nothing about this transaction is being dragged into this matter, maybe with a view to destroy him. It is evident that Benjamin is most probably being backed by Mr. Ekeh’s competitors as he has no capacity for this. Their intention is to see Mr. Ekeh appear in court to rubbish his image. But to what ends? I consider it an insult that the founder of a company that funded a contract for us and many other bidders is being accused of fraudulently converting a paltry sum of N170m. This is clearly a case of biting the fingers that fed you and one of the reasons it is hard to get assistance in today’s business world.

‘‘I must also express my disappointment, especially when I read that Femi Falana took on the brief of defending Mr. Benjamin Joseph who is still facing another criminal trial on this same case, without even as much as an attempt to probe the facts or background. He can reach out to his fellow SAN, Chief Afe Babalola, for instance, to understand or verify the disagreement that led to this juncture.

‘‘As I said earlier, Mr. Benjamin Joseph reported this case to both the Police SFU and the EFCC. These are the only investigative agencies who investigated this case and the only places we made written statements. If he claims that the SFU Report and the EFCC Report indicted Mr. Ekeh and his wife and other staff of TD, let him obtain copies and make them public instead of making noise. How can the SFU report have indicted Mr. Ekeh or his wife or any staff of TD when it was the SFU Investigative Officer that testified against Mr. Benjamin Joseph in criminal case No. CR/216/16 that the Police brought against him for false information?

‘‘I am aware that he says he is relying on a certain report by a certain Special Enquiry Bureau of the Police to whom he wrote a petition in 2015. We were neither invited by the Special Enquiry Bureau nor did we make any statement to them. This is what he is carrying about as a report.  Let him present any letter of invitation from the Bureau to any of us, including Mr. Ekeh, his wife, and the staff of TD, or any statement any of us made to the Bureau. How can there be a report where the ‘suspects’ were neither invited nor made statements? What Benjamin Joseph is hiding from the public is that the Police Force Headquarters Abuja, by a subsequent comprehensive report dated 1^st December 2020, discredited and disclaimed the so-called report of the Bureau as baseless and invalid, as it was based only on the statement of Mr. Joseph without hearing from the other parties.

‘‘The Police report of 1^st December 2021 emphatically said that the only investigation and authentic report was the one done by the Police SFU at Lagos. I believe that it is this invalid and discredited report that Femi Falana used to apply for a fiat in May 2022, as they are claiming, and they also conveniently hid from the Attorney General the fact that there is a subsisting judgment of the FCT High Court that has dismissed the allegations of Mr. Benjamin Joseph. It was after these hidden facts were made available to the Attorney-General that he gave the Police a letter in June 2022 to rather continue the prosecution of Mr. Benjamin Joseph to a logical conclusion, thereby reversing himself on the fiat. So, I believe that Mr. Ekeh was right to say that there is no case pending against him or his wife or staff of TD or any of us. I know that since there is a judgment by a competent court dismissing as false the set of facts forming the allegation of Mr. Benjamin Joseph, those facts and allegation cannot be used again to try me or any other party mentioned in the allegation, as long as that judgment subsists. Whatever charge that is filed, based on those allegations, is dead on arrival. My lawyers are taking steps to strike it out. So, the fact that we are challenging it does not mean that anyone, including Mr. Ekeh, is defending the charge, as I hear Mr. Benjamin Joseph say in his press statement. It is only consequential that it be struck out since the basis of the fiat has been overtaken by events. 

‘‘Lastly, it is worthy to note that based on the letter of the Attorney-General to the Police to continue with the prosecution of Mr. Benjamin Joseph to a logical conclusion, his trial continues on 3^rd November 2022 before Honourable Justice Peter Kekemeke of the FCT High Court. If he believes in his innocence, he should present his case in court and stop this media trial and hype. Why is he afraid to conclude his defense and be cross-examined after opening his defense for over two years but would rather be running to the press to curry undue public sympathy and tarnish innocent people’s image?’’ she queried.      

‘‘In all these, I am just a victim of someone who repays good with evil. Be that as it may, I will never be weary of doing good and I count it all joy.’’

The post Alleged Blackmail of Zinox Chairman by Benjamin Joseph: the Inside Story – Business Partner appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Joseph has been in the news recently as standing prosecution for allegedly falsely accusing Mr. Ekeh and others as well as one of Ekeh’s companies of a N170m fraud.

Ekeh made this submission while addressing participants at the end of his final virtual mentorship project for 2022 with the theme – The Last Card – involving a cross-section of budding African entrepreneurs and post graduate scholars drawn from select foreign universities last Thursday.

He had altered the earlier listed case study –“The emerging corporate miracle” to “ The Last Card” based on his current experience.

The Zinox Chairman’s comment comes even as lawyers from various backgrounds have continued to debate how Femi Falana, a popular Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) could have taken on a brief without carrying out due diligence into a case in which his client, the said Benjamin Joseph, has continued to sponsor a series of potentially defamatory media reports against Ekeh, despite having a subsisting N20m fine awarded against him by an Abuja court of competent jurisdiction for giving the Federal Government false information, while also facing another criminal charge for false petitioning before an FCT High Court in Abuja filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in which the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami had instructed the IGP and the courts to prosecute Mr. Benjamin Joseph to logical conclusion.

Also featuring at a recent discourse on the subject among the lawyers is how Falana failed to advise his client on the difference between a corporate and personal transaction. In law, there is a separation of personalities between corporations and their individual owners.

The law separates two of them as different persons. So, a contract entered into by a company in its normal course of business cannot become the responsibility of a shareholder, especially when that shareholder is not in any way involved in the day-to-to running of the company. Anyone mixing up the two is only acting mischievously to achieve an ulterior motive, which includes embarrassing and blackmailing the shareholder.

Of great concern to the participating lawyers is a perceived attempt to destroy the reputation of a distinguished and humble African and one of Nigeria’s prides identified by President Obasanjo and honoured on October 1st 2001 as an Icon of Hope and a model for Nigerian youths.

Correspondingly, while addressing his audience on Thursday, October 6, 2022, Ekeh stated that today’s entrepreneurs must remain alive to the growing threat of blackmail in professional circles which he described as the fifth highest revenue earner globally. In addition, he added that in a case of corporate blackmail, there is often a ‘small masquerade’ involved.

‘‘This challenge is a good case study for upcoming African entrepreneurs. As businesses in Africa continue to take a hit from global economic crises – due to the lack of provisioning for tough times – the threat of corporate blackmail will increase for those of you in business. Doing business in Nigeria or Africa is not for cowards. You must prepare like someone going to the war front. If you have the will and capacity to succeed as an entrepreneur, you must be always aware and take measures to protect your business from corporate blackmail. Most times, it is the work of small competitors who wish to see you go down or who have a desire to rubbish your credit rating or public image.’’

Referencing his experience in the earlier mentioned case involving Benjamin Joseph, Ekeh added: ‘‘Corporate blackmail has grown exponentially in recent years and often, the end purpose is extortion. I can confirm to you that there is no court case or indictment against me or any of my colleagues or my wife either with the Police, EFCC or any court in Nigeria or abroad. I decided from the first day I started business to be a child of trust economy and delete passion for money but instead, hold on to my passion for technology and that informed me in seeing myself as an only child even though I have other five successful siblings.

‘‘I am my greatest adviser and never had a privilege of a mentor outside my tough British-trained mother and humble father who was an only child of his parents. I concentrate more on why brilliant, good and hardworking persons fail in business in Africa but succeed in civilized countries. This informed why I stayed with tech business 360 degrees as I am in total control and the business does not lie. It’s either you are right or wrong. Never concede to blackmailers. Be humble but launch out with confidence as far as you have content to deliver. Blackmailers don’t last in the business.

‘‘This is why my blackmailer failed because there is digitally undisputable proof. I run a tech family – my wife and all my five kids are in tech and comfortable. If you are in the tech business, wealth becomes a right, no matter how old we are. Rich guys in tech all over the world don’t make noise because there is no reason to do so. Successful entrepreneurs don’t make noise because they worked for it. It is not an inheritance,’’ Ekeh stated.

When asked by one of the participants on how to prevent or guard against corporate blackmail, Ekeh submitted that entrepreneurs must remain above board in their dealings, while also putting in efforts to investigate and understand where the threat is coming from.

‘‘It is your right to know and in future, I will tell the full story. You must embrace integrity and have well-defined processes and procedures guiding your business. It saves you a lot of headaches. But even when you have done your best in these areas, you may still be targeted. Therefore, you must investigate your accuser or blackmailer to fully understand what is at play. It could cost you some money, but technology has made it easier and could be a great lesson. I can tell you that staff of our Group learned a lot from this experience.

‘‘My blackmailer had claimed first that no computers were supplied to FIRS by my company on his behalf and in seconds, we produced original serial numbers and delivery note and they tallied with what FIRS received. Zero mistake. Later, he claimed he was not aware of the contract, and in seconds FIRS produced a letter of authority he issued to his partner, Princess Kama physically with a copy of his passport and he now agreed under oath.

‘‘He now claimed the account opened was forged and a forensic analysis report conducted by Police SFU confirmed that he indeed signed the Board resolution.  My staff had nothing to do with opening of his bank account, but our system dictates that you do a Board resolution including two of our staff as majority signatories until we are paid and after the transaction is complete and we are paid, they will resign. We instituted this after few of such companies we funded defrauded us. We have a team of first-class lawyers and the tech to back up our structures and systems and we have done these for over 30 years. This Citadel case is the only blackmail we are tolerating. TD is the largest company in my Group and possibly in the IT Distribution sector in Africa and industry players know this. The N170m in question is an insult to TD and I am sure he knew before trying his luck with us.

‘‘We have enough to run all our companies globally. We may be a local company, but I have tried my little best based on some defined principles. I have never applied for overdraft in any bank, nor has any of my companies, not to talk about loan, so we are technically not desperate financially to cheat. When you are a child of trust economy, integrity is everything, so why do you have to borrow if you are trusted by your global partners and they extend any amount of credits to you? African entrepreneurs cannot scale in business pledging houses and share certificates as collateral to raise cash to do business. The financial institutions are ready to help but you have to earn their trust. When you make commitments, sweat and keep to them as your past transaction records have a lot to do with the decision to support you.

‘‘I have not taken alcohol or smoked from childhood and frankly I don’t know why, so, I don’t have bad dreams. I don’t have a single enemy in my life but you must run into storm sometimes, but never contain blackmailers. Even Benjamin Joseph shall become a born again soon and one of my best friends and I shall be glad to assist him in any little way. Life is very simple. But you must work hard to earn.

 ‘‘I only became aware of this particular case involving Benjamin Joseph and his company, Citadel Oracle Concepts two years after it started. It was a business transaction with Technology Distributions (TD) and did not, in any way involve Zinox. Yet, each time he goes to press, he mentions Leo Stan Ekeh and Zinox. TD is the pioneer and biggest distributors of tech products in Sub-Saharan Africa representing the biggest global brands in Africa. His mandate was to destroy my global credit rating so that our multinational partners could terminate relationships, but he failed. This is why I always advise entrepreneurs to build themselves as personal collateral during their incubation period and then their business as corporate collateral. In summary, be a child of trust economy and keep your word, and trust me, no person or financial institution can mess around with you. I am a living testimony and this is why I never sued Benjamin Joseph.

‘‘To start with, I have never met this man in my life. Neither has my wife met him in person. Even when he made attempts to meet with me, I rebuffed him because by that time, I had investigated him and discovered where he was headed. In tech business, we do not pay blackmailers because technology does not lie and that is the biggest mistake he has made in his life. Every lie he has told has been substantiated against him.

‘‘When he pressed on with his media campaign against me, I took the pains of hiring local and foreign detectives which cost me huge amount of money to investigate first my staff who handled the transaction, and then Benjamin Joseph, his company and his relationship with his partner, Princess Kama and her uncle, Chief Igbokwe and the discovery further strengthened my resolve not to engage him. Yes, it cost me big money, but it was money well spent. Remember, I mentioned there is often a small masquerade involved in such cases. I say small masquerade because someone bigger than you cannot spend his time blackmailing you for extortion.

 ‘‘If you have made up your mind to be a successful entrepreneur in Africa, you must be knowledge packed to alter your destiny positively, be ready to take pains before pleasure, implement auditable financial and legal structures backed with strong technology and most importantly, be spiritually strong. Most digital entrepreneurs in Africa fast more than most pastors in Africa. It is creative war like this that delays progress, but you will get there. These inconveniences shall gradually be deleted in the next ten years with the power of technology.

‘‘Blackmailers have, with the backing of some innocent press successfully destroyed our politicians, public office holders and their families as heads of criminal gangs, no matter how decent they are, and now they are gradually destroying wealth creators. Africa would be gone if they are allowed to succeed with our corporates,’’ the Zinox Chairman warned.

Furthermore, Ekeh shared some insights into the saga which has seen Benjamin Joseph facing an ongoing criminal trial for giving the Federal Government false information.

‘‘Benjamin Joseph’s company was among 13 others which TD Africa extended a credit facility to for supply of laptops to the FIRS. To guard against creditors making away with funds extended to them, TD insists on opening a joint account with each creditor so that they are fully aware of when the fund for the contract is paid. After he was paid, Joseph attempted to divert TD’s money but his partner, one Princess Kama refused. From my investigations, he (Joseph) had wanted to marry her but they could not agree.

‘‘However, when she objected to his attempt to divert the funds, Joseph petitioned the Police and EFCC, initially claiming that his company was fraudulently used to execute the contract without his knowledge and that nothing was supplied. This was despite the fact that he gave his partner a duly signed letter of authority and his passport to act on his behalf in executing the FIRS contract. But investigations revealed that the FIRS confirmed that all the laptops were supplied with the serial numbers intact.

‘‘He later fell out with his partner over profit sharing for the contract which Afe Babalola SAN, his lawyer at the time intervened but could not resolve. According to Princess Kama, Mr. Benjamin Joseph demanded all the profit from the business and the lady refused. If he was not aware and his company was fraudulently used to execute the contract and his signature was forged as he claimed, why was he later asking for a larger share of the proceeds?’’ Ekeh queried.

In conclusion, while advising his audience to learn from his experience and never give in to cheap blackmail, he stated that cowards don’t succeed in Africa as entrepreneurs, even as he expressed confidence that the course of justice would eventually be done in the matter.  

The post I’ve Never Met My Alleged Blackmailer – Ekeh, Zinox boss appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Instead of hosting a lavish celebration to mark his milestone birthday, Ekeh is committing to fund 1,000 university scholarships for indigent Nigerian students to study Computer Science in federal universities across the country.

The initiative, he says, is designed to build a new generation of tech-driven leaders who can strengthen Nigeria’s public and private sector competitiveness.

According to Ekeh, the beneficiaries “who will not be bonded, shall disrupt global wealth equation in favour of Nigeria and defend our tech independence.”

Selection criteria and structure

Selection for the scholarship will be based on a nationwide assessment of minimum Intelligent Quotient (IQ) and age.

The programme targets students from poor homes and families whose parents earn below Government Level 10 or its equivalent in the private sector.

Beyond tuition support, the initiative is structured as a holistic development pipeline. Beneficiaries will be exposed to global standards, mentorship, and multi-disciplinary learning beyond core technology studies.

Speaking in a phone interview, Ekeh said:

“Each shall have a tech mentor from year one, as I plan a partnership with Computer Society of Nigeria and every vocation they shall be engaged resourcefully. Beneficiaries shall be from poor homes and those with parents who earn below Government Level 10 and its equivalent in the private sector.

The first batch starts this September, and I expect each to earn first class degree. This is my Group of companies’ and my little way of appreciating my country, individuals and corporates that gave us the opportunities in the last 40 years and still patronizing our Tech Group, Task Systems, TD Africa, Zinox Technologies, Konga etc. If we are successful with this spiritual mandate, I can then celebrate my 100 years on earth with a bang. With God and AI, I am aiming to make 120 years.”

Why Ekeh believes Nigeria must act now

Ekeh, who has largely avoided elaborate birthday celebrations in the past, says the decision aligns with his long-standing belief that technology remains Nigeria’s most realistic pathway to economic transformation.

“We need quality and tech-savvy wiz-kids who can drive the future of government and e-governance and those who will become change-makers in the private sector,” he said.

He warned that Nigeria risks technological dependency if it fails to deliberately build indigenous talent capable of managing the anticipated expansion in oil and gas, banking, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, entertainment, and the public sector over the next decade.

“I have been blessed and bruised in this country and I thank God. Frankly, I don’t see enough Nigerian tech wiz-kids who can defend the massive development anticipated in the next 5 – 10 years… We are becoming slaves in our own country in a knowledge century which is unfortunate.

…only four God-anointed tech wiz-kids can alter the GDP of this country in five years. The man who controls your tech resources decides your profit level and how far your country and corporations can grow in this second quarter of the 21st Century and in future.”

The tech entrepreneur, who was decorated as “Icon of Hope” by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003, added:

“The future is here but very fragile and disruptive, it’s either you are something or nothing at all. No middle ground. We need to alter the digital trajectories of our people. Technology is realistically the only profession in the world today that can alter the destiny of brilliant and humble kids from poor families and position them as huge wealth creators and sustainers.

Though I am not really from a very poor family, but I am a testimony and shall tell the whole story in my book that shall be published last quarter of 2027. It shall be most revealing.

This is my additional contribution amongst others to appreciate Nigerians, the Federal Government, sub- nationals and corporations that have been supporting my tech commitments and innovations on this side of the Atlantic.”

Cost implications and long-term commitment

On the financial commitment required to execute the project, Ekeh described it as “a spirit-driven project.”

“It is a spirit-driven project to thank those who supported and are still supporting companies within the Zinox Group. It has an annual cost that shall run into billions of Naira and my group is committed to it amongst other social responsibility projects like TD Africa Project to produce 10,000 female tech experts out of which 400 have graduated and are fully employed in different corporates in Nigeria. This is a 10-year project with other perks. The full package shall be revealed online on April 22, 2026.”

The scholarship scheme adds to a portfolio of human capital development initiatives undertaken by Ekeh and the Zinox Group over the past four decades.

His companies have trained over 3,000 Nigerians and donated tech centres to more than 25 institutions nationwide.

Through the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF) and affiliated companies, the group has also launched entrepreneurship centres at St. Augustine University, Epe; Federal University, Birnin Kebbi; and Imo State University (IMSU), among others. These centres focus on upskilling young Nigerians, providing stipends, mentorship, digital devices, and in some cases, interest-free loans to support business take-off.

A philosophy of capitalism with empathy

Ekeh, a devout Catholic from Ubomiri in Imo State and former mass servant and chorister, has consistently drawn a distinction between profit and purpose.

He believes capitalism must wear a human face and often reiterates that no one comes into the world with cash nor leaves with it.

At the dedication of a church he built in his hometown, he reflected on his journey:

“I come from a lineage of people who served God dedicatedly. I think I am a miracle child… I saw myself as an only Child even though I have siblings and, as an orphan even though my parents were alive… so I decided to take the pain before pleasure alone.

I love God and will never hesitate to do anything in the service of God and humanity… As a mark of God’s mercy to me, I pay corporate tithes for all my companies. I didn’t read it in the Bible but I do it.”

He once told journalists:

“God is the architect of my success… As an entrepreneur, I have strategised, stayed up late, made projections but if there was no mercy of God and His grace to help me implement these, there will be no success… I work an average of 20 hours a day and near zero holidays and I have no health challenges.”

The bigger picture

For Ekeh, the 1,000-student scholarship programme is only “a tiny drop in the ocean” of his philanthropic commitments.

However, in the context of Nigeria’s widening digital skills gap and increasing dependence on foreign expertise, the initiative could represent a strategic intervention, one aimed at shifting the country from tech consumption to tech sovereignty.

As Nigeria grapples with AI disruption and global economic realignment, Ekeh’s 70th birthday may ultimately be remembered less for the age milestone and more for the human capital investment he hopes will outlive him.

The post Leo Stan Ekeh @70: Zinox Chairman Ditches Mega Party, Announces 1,000 University Tech Scholarships for Indigent Nigerians appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The event, themed “Africa’s Digital Renaissance,” brought together influential partners, distinguished industry figures, and eminent personalities for an evening dedicated to honouring excellence, loyalty, and innovation within the ICT ecosystem.

TD Africa’s “Celebrating You” has become one of the organisation’s strongest traditions, an evening designed to appreciate the partners whose trust and dedication power their mission.

In her opening remarks, Chioma Chimere, coordinating managing director of TD Africa, described the event as a sincere gesture of gratitude.

She emphasised that the company’s continued success is deeply rooted in the reliability, trust, and exceptional performance of its partners. According to her, “Celebrating You” stands as a reminder that every achievement in the technology ecosystem is a shared effort.

Reinforcing this message of collective progress, Chioma Ekeh, TD Africa’s CEO, called on stakeholders to embrace what she termed “Africa’s Digital Renaissance”, noting that Africa is at the brink of a transformative era powered by technology.

“With the power of technology, we are making a comeback. The interruption is over, Africa’s Renaissance is here, and this time it is digital. And a renaissance is never built by a company or person; it is built by partnerships. That is why tonight, we celebrate the architect of the technology landscape,” she stated.

Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of the Zinox Group, also delivered a thoughtful message centred on integrity and purpose.

He opined that integrity and purpose are the compass that guides both life and business.

“Technology may power the future, but it is integrity and purpose that sustain it. It is this foundation that will shape Africa’s digital renaissance,” he said.

The 2025 edition attracted a distinguished audience of guests whose presence underscored the significance of the event and TD Africa’s influence across the technology and business landscape. Notable attendees included Ibukun Awosika, former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria, who served as Special Guest of Honour; Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman of MTN Nigeria Communications PLC and former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM); Dr. Stella Okoli, Founder/CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals; Atedo Peterside, Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank and Anap Foundation; and Nnamdi Ezeigbo, Founder of SLOT Systems.

Throughout the evening, TD Africa presented awards to partners who demonstrated outstanding performance during the year.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the TD SuperApp raffle draw, in which one lucky partner won a brand-new SUV. This gesture further illustrated TD Africa’s culture of appreciation and reward.

The event featured a vibrant lineup of entertainment that kept the audience energised and engaged. Electrifying musical performances by Styl Plus and Wande Coal, a spoken-word presentation by Chidalu Ekeh, and a brilliant comedy set by Kenny Blaq all contributed to the event’s warm, celebratory atmosphere.

The 12th edition of “Celebrating You” reaffirmed TD Africa’s belief that true progress is built on partnership.

As the organisation continues its mission to democratise technology and strengthen Africa’s digital landscape, it remains committed to honouring the individuals and institutions who play a vital role in shaping that future.

The post TD Africa Marks 12th “Celebrating You” Awards Night appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The facility, donated by Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of Zinox Group and Founder of LSEF, was commissioned on his behalf by the President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu.

The centre is equipped with the latest Zinox computers, powered by the iPower renewable energy suite, which features high-performance solar panels and certified lithium batteries.

It is also connected to a 24-hour, non-disruptive satellite internet service powered by Starlink, a service that the LSEF has committed to funding for the next five years.

According to Mr. Ekeh, the Tech Experience Centre is dedicated to the use of students and knowledge workers at FUB, with the aim of equipping them with the digital skills and resources required to compete with their peers globally and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.

This centre is one of several cutting-edge technology hubs donated by the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation to tertiary institutions across Nigeria. It supports the Federal Government’s vision to upgrade the nation’s higher institutions to world-class standards.

For over 25 years, Mr. Ekeh and the Zinox Group have consistently invested in promoting digital education by donating tech laboratories and innovation hubs.

In recent years, the Foundation has delivered and equipped centres at St. Augustine University, Lagos, and Imo State University and refurbished older facilities it had donated in the past.

According to Mr. Ekeh, the next phase will see the Foundation extend similar interventions to secondary schools across the country.

He called on politicians, government agencies, and wealthy Nigerians to intentionally invest in the nation’s education sector, stressing that a well-educated populace is the Foundation for national development.

Mr. Ekeh expressed his appreciation to the Chairman of the University Council, the council members, Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, members of the University Management, staff, and students of FUB, as well as the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for their support in accommodating the LSEF’s vision.

Speaking on behalf of the university, Professor Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, Vice Chancellor of FUB, expressed deep appreciation to Mr. Ekeh and the LSEF for the generous donation.

“This Tech Experience Centre will make a remarkable difference in the academic and research output of our students and staff. We are grateful for Mr. Ekeh’s vision, generosity, and long-standing contributions to this institution and to digital education in Nigeria. This facility is more than a building with computers; it is an investment in the future of our graduates and the growth of our nation.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the commissioning, Mr. Chimezie Orisakwe, head of Corporate Communications for the Zinox Group, highlighted Mr. Ekeh’s sustained promotion of digital learning across Nigeria, from interventions in the media sector to landmark projects with the media, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Population Commission (NPC), and others.

He also highlighted Mr. Ekeh’s reflection on the current state of Nigeria’s education sector, warning that many institutions, both public and private, face severe funding deficits.

This, he noted, raises the risk of closures, which would deprive graduates of the enduring legacy of their alma maters.

To address these challenges, the Zinox Chairman proposed that the Federal Government adopt a college system and reclassify existing universities.

He recommended granting approvals for specialized professional colleges affiliated with reputable universities, similar to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) model with the University of Lagos.

Ekeh emphasized that the quality of an institution’s academic content now matters more than its physical size.

Those passionate about establishing tertiary institutions must be focused on their core mission, be willing to invest adequately, and possess the mental and financial capacity to sustain standards.

He further urged that educational institutions be regulated even more stringently than banks, given their central role in producing the human capital that drives both the public and private sectors.

“Educational institutions are not limited liability companies that can be liquidated at will. Their true profit is not in short-term returns but in the quality of graduates they produce, men and women who can lead this nation and give back to the institutions that shaped them,” Ekeh stated.

The donation to FUB is the latest in a long list of interventions by the Zinox Group to support Nigeria’s technological advancement.

Through the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, the Group has also funded thousands of scholarships, donated modern digital learning facilities nationwide, extended non-interest loans to budding entrepreneurs, and supported churches, hospitals, and humanitarian causes.

The post Zinox Chairman Donates Tech Experience Cenre to University of Birnin Kebbi appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Think about this: Tinubu wants to grow Nigeria’s net worth to a $1 trillion economy by 2030. While this shows ambition, it is much more a demonstration of audacity in leadership.

To achieve this, Tinubu says Nigeria must lean on and encourage local production. He believes that achieving food security is the sine qua non for advancing the nation’s economy through heavy investments in the agriculture value chain. He is pushing a Nigeria First, Buy-Nigeria policy. Some of his ministers and appointees are also singing the same local production hymn.

A quick fact-check shows that this is not new, especially since the commencement of the 4th Republic. President Olusegun Obasanjo, it has to be emphasised, laid a solid foundation to promote indigenous production of goods and services.

He did not chime Buy Nigeria, he lived it, implemented it and the results were profound. The results of Obasanjo’s Buy Nigeria policy manifested in diverse ways. Local patronage of indigenous fruit drinks and ban on imported ones; local production of airtime cards for GSM service providers; local patronage of locally assembled computers that gave a huge boost to local production of the same, such that some ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) standardised their IT operations on indigenous computer hardware and software.

Sadly, despite the traction gained by indigenous products, the succeeding governments did not even sustain the Buy-Nigeria momentum.

Tinubu seems determined to do so. However, to achieve the noble ambition of a $1 trillion economy, President Tinubu must listen to key Nigerians who are not only employers of labour but are deeply committed to indigenous production as the key to unlocking the huge potential of the nation’s economy.

One of such Nigerians Tinubu must take heed to his advice is Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group whose refinery is the biggest single infrastructure project in Africa. Dangote, a major indigenous manufacturer, is not happy with the manner local companies are treated in Nigeria.

Dangote recently advocated for policies that protect indigenous industries and nurture them into mega corporations capable of generating jobs and fostering prosperity.

Addressing a gathering of manufacturers and investors in Abuja recently while delivering a keynote on ‘Rethinking Manufacturing in Nigeria’ at the Nigeria Manufacturers’ Summit, Dangote advocated a reversal of government policies that expose local players to vulnerabilities including continued importation of goods and services that are also produced in Nigeria. Such a lack of protection of indigenous players, usually in the form of a lack of patronage from the government and Nigerians, stunts the growth of these local players.

He cited countries where governments had to take drastic measures to protect their respective local markets.

These include the blocked sale of US steel to Nippon Steel of Japan, the blocked sale of six US port management companies to Dubai Ports World, restrictions on Chinese cranes at US ports, and the US imposition of tariffs such as 100% on Chinese EVs (electric vehicles), 50% on semiconductors, medical products, and solar panels.

There are other instances, including the restriction of Russia gas supply to Europe, which led European countries to increase coal usage despite opposition to fossil fuels; and the US government’s distribution of $39 billion in subsidies to incentivise local microchip production.

The above cases clearly show how respective governments deliberately protect their local players, not only to give them a head-start over competition but also to help them scale up on the path to profitability. Nigerian governments have been short on this.

Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of Zinox Group, an African ICT unicorn, is yet another voice Tinubu should give ears to.

Ekeh, much like Dangote and others, has been a victim of serial blackmail and corporate bullying despite his undeniable sacrifice to create a digital culture in the Nigerian marketplace including education, media, banking, oil and gas, agriculture and other aspects of the economy.

His Computerise Nigeria project became the cornerstone for the establishment of digital hubs in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

Ekeh believes that achieving a $1 trillion economy is possible but stressed that the current state of power delivery nationwide (an average of 4 hours per day according to the latest NBS data) cannot support the type of bullish industrialisation and local production that will bolster the nation’s economic trajectory to the trillion-dollar mark.

He warned that a situation where genuine players in local production and service delivery are bullied and blackmailed by unscrupulous private sector fringe players and public sector operators does not bode well for economic growth.

He urges more protection from government for the progressive and proven indigenous companies. He says the concept of Buy-Nigeria should be enforced, especially among MDAs.

While expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to address the issue of blackmail, he suggested that Tinubu should aggressively pursue a policy that promotes patronage of indigenous manufacturers and service providers as a way of reflating the economy.

He said:

“It is evident that the core of the myriad challenges afflicting the nation today is our failure to develop local capacities. We must embrace self-sufficiency by consuming what we produce and supporting indigenous players across various sectors.”

He regretted that in spite of several local content policies established by the Federal Government, such policies are consistently disregarded by government employees and appointees, wondering why “we send our children to the world’s best institutions, where they excel, yet we overlook the products they create.”

He gave the example of the government of India, which effective November 1, 2023, placed restrictions on the importation of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers and ultra-small computers and servers with immediate effect.

This, according to him, was to boost local productivity both by multinationals operating in India and indigenous Indian companies to create more jobs, encourage proficiency, and discourage capital flight.

“Mr. President, I humbly appeal to you to be deliberate and decisive in encouraging indigenous producers and service providers across all sectors. This way, we create a market for indigenous products, build confidence in our economy and easily attract international investors. The way we treat our local investors will determine how many foreign investors we can attract,” he stated in an open letter to the President earlier this year. The voices of Dangote and Ekeh echo the voices of other indigenous players who have continued to deliver value amid vicious headwinds.

Speaking at the inaugural Domestic Investors Summit in Abuja recently, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, reaffirmed Tinubu’s determination to achieve the trillion-dollar economy.

She outlined targets for 2025, including $6 billion in foreign direct and portfolio investment, $6.5 billion in non-oil exports, a 20 per cent increase in trade value, and the creation of 200,000 export-led jobs.

This is grand. But the major pulley that will drive this growth is the recommendation of Dangote, Ekeh, and other indigenous players, which is that the government should, as a priority, protect local investors and entrepreneurs through patronage, a policy shift that encourages growth, and categorising such investors’ assets as national assets deserving of preservation.

*Gaya, a public policy analyst, writes from Kano.

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This timeless wisdom speaks to the far-reaching foresight of elders and pioneers whose quiet convictions and brave steps shape futures others have yet to imagine.

Often, it is on the solid foundation of their sacrifices that newer generations advance.

Nigeria’s flourishing digital ecosystem owes a profound debt to such visionary architects, individuals who, with unwavering resolve, laid the first stones for the technological advancements the nation now builds upon.

Among these titans stands Leo Stan Ekeh, the Chairman of Zinox Group, a name synonymous with pioneering spirit and an enduring belief in Nigeria’s latent potential.

His narrative, punctuated by pivotal decisions and unwavering commitment, offers invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs who recently gathered to glean wisdom from his extensive experience.

Ekeh’s journey, far from being a linear ascent, is a testament to the power of conviction in the face of formidable odds. While responding to questions from participants, he laid bare the purpose and challenges of his entrepreneurial journey.

Ekeh’s trajectory into the annals of Africa’s tech pioneers began with a defining moment of conviction. Upon graduating from the University of Punjab in India, he headed to Cork City University, Ireland for a post graduate study in Computer science, Ekeh was presented with enticing offers from globally renowned corporations, including the allure of Silicon Valley giant Apple.

However, his compass pointed homeward, driven by a compelling vision:

“To build and create faith in our digital economy and, crucially, to equip the next generation with the requisite capacity to navigate the impending digital storm”.

This decision, eschewing immediate personal gain for a long-term national aspiration, demonstrated his ability to see opportunities where others saw obstacles.

Ekeh’s transformative influence began early in his career when he pioneered the modernization of Nigeria’s media and multi-media industry.

He revolutionized operations at major publishing houses, including University Press, Longman, Daily Times, Punch, and Vanguard, just to mention a few and introduced Desktop Publishing and Computer Graphics technologies that fundamentally changed how Nigerian media houses operated.

His contributions to the advertising sector established foundations that would later support Nigeria’s burgeoning creative economy.

His strategic acumen manifested in his ability to attract and solidify partnerships with global tech firms. Through his persistent efforts and unwavering vision, Nigeria today boasts a significant presence of leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including the likes of HP, Microsoft, Apple, Starlink, IBM, Dell Technologies, Amazon, Cisco, Lenovo, APC by Schneider Electric, Samsung, Bosch, Philips, Logitech, and Vivo, among others. This influx of global players has not only injected technological expertise and investment into the Nigerian market but has also created a more competitive and innovative environment. All these my generation now enjoys the fruits of.

Perhaps one of Ekeh’s most significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic process was his role in transitioning the country from analogue to digital democracy as early as 2006. In 2010, he delivered the biggest single ICT digital rollout in Africa through his partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This massive technological deployment brought a level of sanity to Nigeria’s electoral process despite the political machinations that often characterize the country’s democratic exercises. His company, Zinox Technologies, executed a similar project in Guinea Bissau.

Beyond electoral systems, Ekeh’s technological innovations extended to Nigeria’s energy sector. Not only did he pioneer the deployment of digital dispensing pumps for petrol and gas stations across Nigeria, but he also provided crucial technical backbone support for multinational corporations like Shell, Chevron, Total, CBN, etc deploying hundreds of professional engineers to ensure seamless operations for these industry giants.

His impact transcends Nigeria’s borders. In Gambia, Ekeh delivered the largest single e-Library and Wireless Cloud rollout project, demonstrating his commitment to advancing digital infrastructure across the African continent.

Today, Ekeh’s influence extends far beyond the ICT sector, as the Zinox Group has evolved into a global conglomerate with diversified interests spanning e-commerce, real estate, pharmaceuticals, entertainment, and more. His indelible mark remains etched upon the technological landscape of Africa. Despite encountering significant challenges, enduring substantial losses, and weathering various forms of blackmail from which he emerged victorious, Ekeh remained steadfast in his belief in Nigeria’s inherent possibilities.

Nigeria now boasts hundreds of thriving tech businesses and a growing digital economy. In the 1990s, Nigeria’s digital economy was virtually non-existent, with telecommunications penetration below 0.5% and internet access limited to a few elite institutions. In 2024, ICT contributed over 19.78% to GDP, driven by 163 million internet users, a thriving fintech ecosystem processing ₦611 trillion in transactions in 2023, and e-commerce growth exceeding $13 billion annually. Nigeria’s digital economy now boasts a staggering valuation of $700 billion.

Besides building faith in our economy, Ekeh has developed human capital. His businesses have championed initiatives to nurture the next generation of tech professionals.

During the graduation ceremony of 400 female tech professionals in March this year, he unveiled an ambitious plan to produce over 10,000 female tech professionals in the next five years. This move is poised to bridge gender gaps in a sector historically dominated by men.

Ekeh’s influence is etched into the very fabric of Nigeria’s tech evolution. His path from turning down offers from Silicon Valley to creating a domestic tech company is a shining example of visionary leadership.

Today, as Nigeria reaps the benefits of a rapidly growing digital economy, it is clear that the groundwork was laid by pioneers like him, who saw tomorrow’s possibilities long before they materialized.

As Nigeria strides into an era of unprecedented technological advancement, the lessons from Ekeh’s journey remain indispensable: see beyond the immediate, build with purpose, and always prepare the next generation for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

His advice to young entrepreneurs is particularly poignant: remain focused and avoid being distracted by some respected individuals who, through their corrupt deeds, act against the country’s best interests.

True patriotism, he emphasizes, lies in building systems that serve the nation’s long-term prosperity rather than personal gain.

The post Leo Stan Ekeh: “I Founded Zinox Group to Create Confidence and Faith in Our Digital Economy…” appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The meeting brought together top executives from both organisations to reaffirm their commitment to advancing digital transformation and deepening technology penetration across Nigeria and Africa.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of Zinox Group (parent company of TD Africa), traced the long-standing partnership between HP and TD Africa and emphasised the need for a more intentional synergy going forward.

“The relationship between TD Africa and HP goes beyond business; it’s a shared vision to use technology as the catalyst for a smarter, more prosperous Nigeria. Technology is the new oil, and together, we must build the infrastructure to power a 21st-century Africa,” said Dr. Ekeh.

Also, Mrs. Chioma Chimere, Coordinating Managing Director of TD Africa, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to digital inclusion and local empowerment.

“At TD Africa, we are passionate about pushing technology to every part of the country and the continent. Our vision is to see an Africa where every individual, business, and institution is IT-ready and globally competitive,” she stated.

On behalf of HP, Kingsley Osuala, distribution business manager, Central Africa, expressed appreciation for the enduring relationship with TD Africa and stressed the importance of local tech adoption.

“We are grateful to TD Africa for staying true to their mission of empowering Africa through technology. As the digital age accelerates, Nigerians must stay ahead by embracing innovation and high-performance tech solutions. That is how we stay globally relevant,” Osuala remarked.

The meeting concluded with renewed resolve from both parties to explore deeper collaboration and build on their shared legacy, one that prioritizes access, innovation, and the digital empowerment of Africa.

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