Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, has called on young Nigerian entrepreneurs to focus on building sustainable systems that drive national growth rather than chasing short-term financial success.
Ekeh offered this advice during an engagement with emerging business leaders, where he shared insights from his journey in establishing one of Africa’s leading tech conglomerates. Reflecting on his career path, he recalled how he pursued postgraduate studies in computer science at Cork City University in Ireland after graduating from the University of Punjab, India.
He revealed that despite receiving attractive offers from global tech giants—including Silicon Valley-based Apple—he chose to return to Nigeria.
“I came back to build Zinox and restore confidence in our digital economy,” he said in a statement to reporters. “I wanted to prepare the next generation to weather the coming digital transformation.”
Ekeh explained that his decision to forgo a comfortable career abroad stemmed from a deep conviction to create enduring structures within Nigeria’s then-nascent tech ecosystem. His early innovations helped modernise the country’s media and advertising industries by introducing desktop publishing and computer graphics—transforming operations at institutions like Daily Times, Vanguard, University Press, and Longman.
Through strategic collaborations, Ekeh played a key role in attracting international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as HP, Apple, Microsoft, Dell Technologies, and Amazon to Nigeria.
“These partnerships helped foster a competitive and innovative tech space that today’s generation is enjoying,” he noted.
He also highlighted his contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development, referencing the 2010 digital voter registration project with INEC—then the largest ICT deployment in Africa. Similar projects, he added, have since been implemented in Guinea-Bissau.
In the energy sector, Zinox introduced digital fuel dispensers and provided essential tech infrastructure to multinational companies like Shell, Chevron, and Total. In Gambia, the company delivered the largest single e-library and wireless cloud deployment in the country’s history.
Under his leadership, the Zinox Group has expanded into a global enterprise with interests across e-commerce, real estate, pharmaceuticals, entertainment, and manufacturing. Despite personal trials—including blackmail, policy setbacks, and the loss of loved ones—Ekeh said he remained steadfast in his mission to build enduring value for Nigeria.
Warning against the temptation of quick wealth, he cautioned young entrepreneurs to avoid being influenced by “respected but corrupt figures who undermine national progress.”
“True patriotism,” he said, “is about building systems that will benefit future generations—not just oneself.”
Ekeh praised Nigeria’s growing digital economy, which now contributes nearly 20% to the nation’s GDP, backed by 163 million internet users and a booming fintech industry that processed N611 trillion in 2023.
As part of his commitment to inclusive growth, he announced a plan to train 10,000 female tech professionals over the next five years.
“We’ve already graduated 400 women this year. Bridging the gender gap in tech is essential to our future,” he said.
Read Also: https://fusionchronicles.ng/nysc-denies-extending-service-year-of-corper-who-criticised-tinubu/
Ekeh concluded by urging young Nigerians to embrace discipline, vision, and purpose:
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it. Build systems. Build people. Build a country you’ll be proud of.”
