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Like Father, Like Son, The Inspiring Story of The Ekehs And The Digital Sector. How They Won Thisday Awards By Jimmy Enyeh

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Like Father, Like Son, The Inspiring Story of The Ekehs And The Digital Sector. How They Won Thisday Awards By Jimmy Enyeh

Like Father, Like Son, The Inspiring Story of The Ekehs And The Digital Sector. How They Won Thisday Awards By Jimmy Enyeh

Victor-Marie Hugo, a French poet, novelist, and essayist died more than two centuries ago but there still stands some immortal and memorial thoughts he blessed the world with before his demise in 1885 when he once postulated and I quote: “There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come.”

Like Father, Like Son, The Inspiring Story of The Ekehs And The Digital Sector. How They Won Thisday Awards By Jimmy Enyeh

Hugo’s thoughts bear striking parallelism to the fecundity of fresh ideas, vision, and drives which the Ekehs have injected into the digital sector.

Recognising their superlative and unprecedented achievements which culminated into what many have described as a rare feat, Thisday and Arise Television honoured Mr. Stan Leo Ekeh and his very innovative son, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh on Monday, January 27, 2025 in Lagos.

The colourful ceremony saw the serial digital entrepreneur shared the same podium with his son, Prince Ekeh, as winners in different categories of the much-coveted awards.

The top rated awards commemorated the 30th and 12th anniversaries of Thisday Newspapers and Arise News, respectively.

While the father, Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, was honoured with the CEO of the Year award, his Oxford-trained son, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, CEO of Konga Group, was bestowed with the Young Global Leader Award for his transformative role in navigating Konga as a foremost composite e-commerce giant in Nigeria and Africa.

It was indeed a splendid sight to behold being the first time ever that a father and his son would be honoured on the same night in the nation’s Infotech ecosystem.

Unknown to many, debonair and handsome Prince Ekeh was 19 and a student at University of Lancaster, United Kingdom, when he birthed the idea of Yudala, a brutally ambitious e-commerce outpost.

The silent and reclusive brilliant bloke has remained consistent like the shinning star since he came up with Yudala.

His record speaks volumes and are humongous beyond imagination.

That the youner Ekeh has gone this far is not far fetched as he majored in Economics/Politics with a minor in Entrepreneurship which apparently motivated him to take Yudala to the pinnacle

Prince Ekeh returned home to serve his fatherland through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC),

He nurtured Yudala to the peak, employing over 250 staff at that time. And ever since, he has navigated the company to the crest of e-commerce players in Africa.

He would later top up his academic kit with an MBA from Oxford and numerous entrepreneurial certifications from Lagos Business School, Leysin American School, Switzerland, and Harvard, among others.

Yudala was the first composite e-commerce outpost in Nigeria (a hybrid of the online-offline one-stop-shop). This idea has caught global attention and is now being replicated across the continent.

Prince Ekeh in 2018 achieved what many thought impossible. His start-up, Yudala, acquired Konga, a top player in Nigeria’s e-commerce space, in a landmark merger that became effective May 1, 2018. The whizz-kid has since expanded Konga to a leading e-commerce house in Africa, retaining the composite character of Yudala. He has creatively expanded the market share value and networth of Konga by building its business verticals to include logistics, fintech, travel, and leisure.

Young Prince Ekeh is not new to awards. He had been nominated for the prestigious Future Awards for Business Excellence, and featured as Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) in response to the proclamation by United Nation’s General Assembly Resolution 68/237, and had been awarded Icon of Human Transformation by the National Association of Nigerian Students. The Thisday award is, therefore, another feather to the decorated cap of the result oriented entrepreneur.

So slso for the digital mogul, Leo Stan who was honoured with the CEO of the Year Award in the private sector, the only CEO in the highly competitive and sometimes treacherous private sector to be so honoured. The historical and symbolic moment was not lost on him. He recognised the honour of sharing the same platform with his son, both being rewarded for their peerless contribution to Nigeria, nay Africa, digital economy. It was a rarity, more so, as they shared the same podium with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was voted Thisday Man of the Year for his bold reforms and leadership exemplum on the African continent.

Leo Stan is not keen on competition but to keep extending and expanding the frontiers of the digital sector.

He is not new to awards as he bagged numerous prestigious awards in the past.

Among the top rated awards bestowed on the astute businessman are Personality of the year award by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS),
Fellow, Nigeria Computer Society,
Fellow, Nigeria Law School,
Forbes Best of Africa Leading Tech Icon,
National Award of Officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, OFR (2004).

On October 1st, 2001, Ekeh was honoured as Icon of Hope by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, for his sustained pioneering efforts in deepening Information Technology in Africa and as a pride to modern Nigeria.
Mr. Ekeh’s ceaseless zeal for productivity and excellence was rewarded by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari with the National Productivity Merit Award (NPOM) in November 2019.
A distinguished member of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group and Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society, Ekeh is a recipient of one of the country’s highest National Honours – Order of The Federal Republic (OFR).
He is rated by professionals as a global digital giant and a man whose vision and performance have bolstered integrity for the indigenous players in the ICT sector. His unmatched interventions have seen him receive over 60 local and international awards. He has also served on a good number of Federal Government Committees, which includes the Presidential Committee for Job Creation, Nigeria Thinkers, ICT Roadmap, among many others.

Other awards won by Ekeh are National Productivity Order of Merit Award, 2019,
Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), University of Jos,Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa), Imo State University
Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi
Doctor of Technology (Honoris Causa), Federal University of Technology, Owerri
Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa), Federal University Birnin Kebbi.

He has over 15 Honorary Fellowship Awards from Nigerian Federal and State Polytechnics

The older Ekeh is academically sound. He bagged B.Sc. (Hons.) In Economics from Punjab University, India, a Post Graduate Diploma in Risk Management, Nottingham University, England,
Pioneer ICT

Leo Stan Ekeh is Africa’s foremost innovative serial digital entrepreneur. He is a living legend, an exemplar of visionary leadership and integrity, a serial disruptor endowed with uncommon courage to dare and a knack to anticipate the future. He does not only anticipate the future, he creates the future.

An outlier and first-rate India-trained Economist and former Global Advisor to Microsoft, Mr. Ekeh holds a Post Graduate Degree in Risk Management from Nottingham University, England in addition to several honorary doctorate degrees from highly respected universities for his impactful entrepreneurship and pioneering efforts in the field of Information Technology.

A Forbes Best of Africa Leading Tech Icon, Ekeh is currently the Chairman of Zinox Group, Sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest integrated technology conglomerate with its businesses spreading from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
With a mindset to disrupt and transition Nigeria from analogue to digital economy, he started out as a desktop publishing company in a flat at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. He has scaled up the startup into a global enterprise comprising Zinox Technologies Limited, Zinox Telecoms Ltd, Task Systems Ltd., TD Africa, Ashour Corporation FZE, Dubai, Infotech UK, among others. Over time, the conglomerate has invested in oil and gas, real estate, composite e-Commerce, Fintech and still counting.

A gifted and futuristic risk-taker, Ekeh runs one of the most structured and tech driven conglomerates in Africa. He has inspired several generations of budding entrepreneurs and startups, many of whom are currently disrupting the technology space in Nigeria and beyond.

His business odyssey is a journey of many firsts and pioneering feats. He pioneered e-commerce in Nigeria with BuyRight Africa Dotcom and made a remarkable rebound in 2018 with the acquisition of Konga from its previous majority investors, Naspers and AB Kinnevik, in what is regarded as one of the most ambitious, seamless and discreetly managed corporate acquisitions in Africa.
He pioneered Desktop Publishing and Computer Graphics in Nigeria in 1987 with his first company – Task Systems Ltd. He launched the first ICT support company in Nigeria – ITEC Solutions Ltd. He pioneered the deployment of digital dispensing pumps for petrol and gas stations in Nigeria in partnership with Elf Oil (now Total Plc.) after he was cheated by an attendant at a fuel station in Lagos. He pioneered ICT Distribution in West Africa with the launch of Technology Distributions Limited (today known as TD Africa) which has remained the biggest technology, lifestyle and cutting-edge solution distributor in the West African sub-region.
Zinox was the first internationally certified indigenous computer brand in West Africa and the first computer brand in the world to incorporate the Naira sign (N) on its keyboard. The first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in sub-Saharan Africa to receive Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality Lab Certification (WHQL); first Microsoft Prime Production Online Automation Partner in Sub-Saharan Africa with the OA Version 3.0; first Intel Premium Partner; first OEM in West Africa to attain the ISO 9001-2015 Certification; first to acquire the Google Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA) in West Africa; first OEM in Nigeria to introduce renewable energy and lifestyle products and attaining the status of Intel Platinum Partner in sub-Saharan Africa, amongst others.

With Ekeh’s supervision, his company Zinox Technologies delivered integrated digital equipment in weeks worth over $370m that altered for good the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voters’ registration in 2006 and 2010 when foreign contractors could not deliver after months of promises. He also supervised the digital registration of voters in Guinea Bissau which Zinox deployed the tech equipment.

These were rated the largest ICT rollouts in Africa. Under his leadership, Zinox Technologies and Zinox Telecoms pioneered and delivered the largest single e-Library and Wireless Cloud rollout project on the continent. By him and through him, INEC has eliminated fraudulently introduced exotic names like Mike Tyson, Michael Jackson, etcetera, from its voter register. He has been hailed as the power behind Digital Democracy in Nigeria and some West Africa countries.
Using his special purpose design, Zinox Technologies delivered nationwide the technical backbone for the yet-to-be conducted Nigeria’s first ever digital census expected to produce the most credible human and housing data on Nigeria since Independence.

A humanitarian capitalist, his Zinox Group pioneered the highly commendable practice of granting paternity leave in Nigeria to reduce stress on young male staff and enable them support their spouses when they welcome a new baby.
He has quietly touched many lives through the Leo Stan Foundation – his personal foundation. Among these are charitable works such as donation of N100m to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East, over N200m to the Nigeria Computer Society, the umbrella body for all professional computer associations. He has one of the most active platforms for scholarship awards to hundreds of indigent students across Nigeria to study both at home and abroad, as well as the inauguration of a N1.5bn revolving loan scheme for disadvantaged students and entrepreneurs, among several others. An advocate of digital democracy, he has donated cutting-edge and well-equipped digital centres to several secondary and tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Ekeh has silently invested in education, provided medicare to the needy and supported churches and other religious organisations through the Foundation. During the Covid-19 lockdown, the Leo Stan Foundation leveraged on staff of the various companies in the Zinox Group to feed over 7,000 families across Nigeria for two weeks. He has also regularly supported state governments in various parts of the country by funding construction of roads. He has donated patrol vehicles to improve security in some states, among other donations.

Ekeh, a former mass servant and chorister in his Imo state community’s Catholic church, is one of the foremost champions of gender equality in Nigeria. He has consistently advocated for and also empowered women and the girl child, whom he regularly addresses and challenges to aspire to greatness at various public fora. His passion for gender equality is reflected in the Zinox Group where women, led by his wife, Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, occupy the first four executive management positions at TD Africa, the biggest company by revenue in the Group. Also, he has another female as Managing Director of Zinox. The Group’s Human Resources Unit is also headed by a female.

He is happily married to Mrs. Ekeh, a Mathematician, Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and CEO of TD Africa.
The union is blessed with successful children.

Jimmy Enyeh, a renowned Journalist wrote in from Abuja

Bank

Zero Processing Fee; GTBank Removes POS Processing Fees to Support Businesses

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Zero Processing Fee; GTBank Removes POS Processing Fees to Support Businesses

 

Lagos, Nigeria – Wednesday, 12 February 2025 – Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd has announced the removal of processing fees on all GTBank POS terminals, reinforcing its commitment to supporting businesses with cost-effective payment solutions.

 

This initiative, which took effect Tuesday, 11 February 2025, communicates that merchants using GTBank POS terminals will no longer incur Merchant Service Charges (MSC) when receiving payments from customers.

 

With this initiative, all qualifying SME Merchants can now receive payments at zero cost, allowing them to reduce operational expenses, whilst promoting the merchant’s enterprise, and enhancing customer experience.
Speaking on the initiative, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank Nigeria, said: “At Guaranty Trust Bank, we are always looking for ways to add value to our financial ecosystem. By implementing the zero processing fees on POS transactions, we are empowering businesses to get the full value of every payment they receive, whilst also ensuring a more seamless and efficient payment experience.”
The Zero Processing Charge campaign aligns with GTBank’s ongoing efforts to empower businesses with innovative financial solutions that drive growth and efficiency.

 

For more information, merchants are encouraged to contact their Relationship Managers or reach out to the Digital Banking Support Team at [email protected].
About GTBank

 

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is a leading financial institution committed to delivering innovative banking solutions that empower businesses and individuals. With a strong focus on technology and customer satisfaction, GTBank continues to redefine the banking experience across Africa and beyond.

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Nigerian Officials Condemn Canada’s Visa Denial to Military Leaders

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Nigerian Officials Condemn Canada’s Visa Denial to Military Leaders

Nigerian Officials Condemn Canada’s Visa Denial to Military Leaders

 

The Federal Government and former diplomats have condemned Canada’s decision to deny visas to top Nigerian military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and other senior officers. The controversy arose after Gen. Musa revealed that several high-ranking officials were barred from attending a Canadian event honoring war veterans, leaving some delegation members stranded.

 

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu expressed outrage at the development during the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on Thursday. Ribadu described the visa denial as “disrespectful” and declared, “Canada can go to hell.” He applauded Musa for addressing the issue publicly and emphasized the need for Nigeria to strengthen its internal capacity.

 

“Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful, we are strong, and I agree with you—it is time to fix our country. This is yet another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria work,” Ribadu stated.

 

Gen. Musa called the incident a “wake-up call” for Nigeria to stand firm against being taken for granted by foreign nations. “This is a reminder that we must stand on our own, stand strong as a nation, and refuse to be taken for granted,” he urged.

An official from the Canadian High Commission, speaking anonymously, indicated that an official response would be provided on Friday.

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Cameroon, Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie, criticized the visa denial as inconceivable and proposed a reciprocal delay in processing Canadian visa applications. He also recommended summoning the Canadian High Commissioner for an explanation.

“High officials of the rank of the CDS, COAS, and Service Chiefs should normally hold diplomatic passports. Application for visas of such top officials should be routed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and forwarded with a Note Verbale,” Akinkuolie explained. “If such a denial occurs, the Nigerian mission in Canada should delay all diplomatic, official, and private applications of Canadians visiting Nigeria as a reciprocal measure.”

Ambassador Akinkuolie also emphasized the importance of limiting delegations to official personnel to avoid unnecessary complications.

Similarly, retired Ambassador to Algeria, Amb. Mohammed Mabdul, described the visa denial as “highly undiplomatic” and urged the Canadian High Commission to reconsider. “The issue of security should not be taken for granted,” Mabdul warned, stressing that diplomatic relations should not be jeopardized by such actions.

However, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Yemi Farounbi, criticized Ribadu’s language, calling it undiplomatic.

“I don’t think the NSA handled the matter in the best possible way, and the language used cannot be considered diplomatic,” Farounbi said. He suggested that the issue should have been referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Every sovereign nation has the right to grant or deny visas to any applicant. Considering the bilateral relationship, the matter could have been addressed through diplomatic channels. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the best agency for handling such matters, and they would have used appropriate language,” he added.

Farounbi further warned against ministries and agencies taking on roles that fall under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“There are instances where top officials visit foreign countries without informing the Nigerian Embassy in those countries. This is not how such matters should be handled,” he said.

As diplomatic tensions rise, all eyes are on Canada’s official response and any potential actions Nigeria may take to address the issue.

 

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Elon Musk’s Team Accuses FEMA of Misusing $59 Million to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels

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Elon Musk’s Team Accuses FEMA of Misusing $59 Million to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels

Elon Musk’s Team Accuses FEMA of Misusing $59 Million to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has made serious allegations against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), claiming that the agency misused $59 million to accommodate illegal migrants in luxurious hotels.

 

The billionaire entrepreneur revealed this in a tweet on Monday morning, stating that the discovery was made last week. According to Musk, the funds were intended for American disaster relief but were instead diverted in violation of national regulations.

 

He wrote: “The @DOGE team just discovered that FEMA sent $59M LAST WEEK to luxury hotels in New York City to house illegal migrants. Sending this money violated the law and is in gross insubordination to the President’s executive order. That money is meant for American disaster relief and instead is being spent on high-end hotels for illegals! A clawback demand will be made today to recoup those funds.”

 

The revelation has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that FEMA’s allocation of funds should prioritize American citizens affected by disasters. The allegations have also intensified scrutiny on FEMA, which has faced previous accusations of financial mismanagement.

 

An inspector general audit recently revealed that FEMA mishandled nearly $10 billion in COVID-19 relief funds. The audit stated that $8.1 billion in costs remained questionable, while $1.5 billion was allocated prematurely and could have been better utilized for other emergencies.

 

As scrutiny mounts, former President Donald Trump has reportedly considered abolishing FEMA, describing the agency as “a disaster.” To address these concerns, Trump has established a council, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, to review FEMA’s operations and propose necessary reforms by late June.

 

The allegations against FEMA have triggered a broader debate on the proper allocation of taxpayer funds and the government’s role in disaster management. More updates are expected as the situation develops.

 

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