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60 Hearty Cheers to Chioma Ekeh, Africa’s Leading Unusual Female Tech

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The story has often been told in tech circles of how a relatively unknown Nigerian female student became a sensation of sorts among the international student population back in the early 80s in India owing to the unusual course of study she was undertaking.

60 Hearty Cheers to Chioma Ekeh, Africa’s Leading Unusual Female Tech

Chioma Ekeh

Electing to study Mathematics at Bachelor’s degree level – a course that required not only battling differential equations, calculus, advanced algebra, and so on, but also pitting one’s wits against that of wizened professors – is not a task for the faint-hearted. But that was the path that this unusual lady took at Punjab University, located in the culturally rich and aesthetically pleasing city of Chandigarh, India.

It was a decision that would lead Chioma Ekeh (nee Emelonye) along the path of meeting the love of her life, a certain Leo Stan Ekeh and returning to Nigeria with him to play a leading role in shaping the course of technology distribution in Africa.

Undoubtedly, unusual may also be a word that defines Chioma and Leo Stan Ekeh’s remarkable journey together. A power couple and exemplary partners who have worked together for over 30 years building a successful technology empire is a rarity, one that is not often seen.

That sojourn to India and her subsequent career trajectory laid the groundwork for the impressive reputation Chioma Ekeh has built in the highly competitive technology space. Business associates and representatives of global brands never fail to cite her intellect and brainpower.

Job seekers who cross her path during interviews often recall being asked to solve a simple arithmetic problem. For those who eventually become employees, there is never-ending adulation.

Her husband, Leo Stan Ekeh, describes her as the integral analytics, the backbone behind the brilliant success of the Zinox Group where she has continued to support all the businesses across the board.

Such is the cerebral aptitude of this unusual woman that she is reported to have taken the stage once at a company-wide business review to present a financial report punctuated by humongous accurate numbers, figures and percentages, all from memory and without recourse to any notes, a device or an actual presentation document.

Born on April 25, 1964, the story of the impressive diffusion, accessibility, useability and affordability of cutting-edge technology devices and solutions in Nigeria and indeed, sub-Saharan Africa will be grossly incomplete without a detailed citation on Chioma Ekeh and the leadership role she has played – one she has continued to play as a silent innovator and disruptor–alongside her legendary spouse.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Certified Accountants (FCCA, UK), Mrs. Chioma Ekeh is the brains behind TD Africa, a regional technology distribution powerhouse headquartered in Nigeria and with branches across Africa and in four other continents.

A company she led from start-up stage, TD Africa with Chioma Ekeh as CEO, pioneered ICT distribution in Sub-Saharan Africa and has remained the industry leader by market share in the region and the biggest provider of credit to resellers.

Founded in 1999, TD Africa is Africa’s leading distributor of technology and lifestyle products, boasting an unmatched and growing network of partnership with global brands like HP, Microsoft, Apple, Starlink, IBM, Dell Technologies, Ring (by Amazon), Cisco, Lenovo, APC by Schneider Electric, Samsung, Bosch, Phillips, Logitech, Vivo, among several others. Under Chioma’s exemplary leadership, the company has achieved numerous milestones, earned a long list of local and international awards/accolades and ensured Nigeria and indeed Africa is reckoned with at the global table of technology conversations and discussion-making.

However, this remarkable story may have turned out differently, had Chioma not returned to Nigeria under the guidance of her husband.

Armed with a formidable Mathematics degree after completing her studies in India, Chioma had the world at her feet and was the toast of leading companies the world over.

Moving to the United Kingdom at the invitation of her husband, Chioma joined the exalted league of Chartered Accountants and thereafter, bagged an MBA at the reputable Heriot Watts University.In 1987, she joined Sterling Deveraux as an Investment Analyst, engaging in researchand analyzing assets, such as stocks, bonds, currenciesand commodities.

Her acumen and exceptional skills were growing in demand and before long, she left Sterling Deveraux, joining the London Borough of Lewisham as an accountant in 1988.

Between 1988 and 1991, Chioma’s sterling work saw her rise swiftly through the ranks at the London Borough of Lewisham, moving from Accountant to Senior Auditor and then to Financial Auditor.

Certainly, Chioma Ekeh had a clear path to becoming CFO and possibly CEO at the London Borough of Lewisham or even going on immediately to taking up other elevated roles at other organizations. But the love of motherland and the call of her husband – Leo Stan Ekeh – to return home to Nigeria with him and build a technology legacy for Nigeria and Africa proved too strong.

Back home, Chioma Ekeh’s initial area of responsibility was with Task Systems Ltd., the first of many companies in the Zinox Group set up by Leo Stan Ekeh.

She took up the position of Financial Controller and spent six achievement-filled years at Task before driving the vision of technology distribution birthed by her husband in launching TD Africa where she became the company’s pioneer CEO.

A quiet, unassuming tech icon, Chioma Ekeh has acquired a well-deserved status as unarguably one of Nigeria’s top three leading Women-in-Tech, a female technology business leader with extensive years of proven capacity in building high-performing teams and transforming businesses beyond stakeholders’ expectations.

In partnership with her husband, Chioma Ekeh has played immense roles in growing and nurturing partner businesses, launching several thriving new businesses and successfully closing some of the biggest acquisitions in the technology space in Nigeria.

The Tech Experience Centre – Africa’s first technology experience centre – located at Yudala Heights, a sprawling edifice in the heart of Victoria Island – is another project that has Chioma Ekeh’s indelible signature on it.

The launch of the Tech Experience Centre in October 2020 received high praise from the Nigerian government and representatives of global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

Under her guidance, Celebrating You, an annual showpiece celebratory event hosted by TD Africa has become unarguably the biggest year-end event in the Nigerian technology industry for over a decade.

Also, she has spearheaded several CSR projects, including The Herwakening – an empowerment programme for female entrepreneurs– and Girls in ICT – a project targeted at encouraging young girls to take up STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines and considering careers in technology.

As she turns 60, Chioma Ekeh deserves rarefied mention and unmitigated encomiums. An amazon, this unusual female tech icon who has shattered several glass ceilings, knows no fatigue and has continued to innovate, effortlessly leading from the front.

 

 


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PalmPay, Jumia Reward Users in Festive Campaign

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This holiday season just got a whole lot more exciting! PalmPay, one of Africa’s leading fintech platforms, operates Nigeria’s most used mobile wallet and has teamed up with Jumia, the continent’s e-commerce giant, to launch a festive campaign that’s all about convenience, rewards, and enhancing your shopping experience.

Running from December 11th to 28th, 2024, this holiday campaign is set to reward shoppers who use the new “Pay with PalmPay” feature on Jumia with cash prizes. Every purchase made using the direct payment method automatically enters participants into a draw, giving them a chance to win exciting cash rewards while enjoying the seamless shopping and payment process.

A Strategic Partnership To Enhance Digital Payments

The integration of the “Pay with PalmPay Wallet” feature on Jumia marks a major milestone in the partnership between the two industry leaders.

Speaking at the media announcement, Mr. Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay, highlighted the broader mission driving this collaboration: “We are thrilled to join forces with Jumia to redefine convenience for shoppers. At PalmPay, our mission has always been to drive economic empowerment through accessible and user-friendly financial services. This partnership is a natural step forward in achieving that goal.”

Beyond the holidays, this partnership with Jumia m,k is a signal of bigger things to come. Mr. Chika added: “This is more than just about payments—it’s about creating value for our customers. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will unlock in 2025, including campaigns and innovative initiatives that will further transform the online shopping landscape.”

Sunil Natraj, CEO of Jumia Nigeria, highlighted the shared vision between both companies, stating: “At Jumia, we are dedicated to creating value for our customers by ensuring a convenient, reliable, and secure shopping experience. This partnership with PalmPay strengthens our commitment to enhancing the digital payments within our platform. By integrating PalmPay, we are providing more options for customers to access affordable and quality goods with the convenience of cashless transactions.”

How to Join the Holiday Fun

Participating in the campaign is simple. When shopping on Jumia, select the “Pay with PalmPay” option at checkout, and your entry into the draw is automatic. It’s that easy!

Bonus Entry: Share a screenshot of your purchase on X (formerly Twitter) using the hashtag #PalmPayXJumia to increase your chances of winning. Additional winners will be selected from participants engaging with the campaign on Twitter.

Whether you are shopping for gifts, or gadgets this festive season, PalmPay and Jumia are making sure your experience is not only seamless but also rewarding.

To learn more about the campaign, stay tuned to the official  X accounts (formerly Twitter) of @palmpay_ng and @JumiaNigeria. for updates, announcements, and more chances to win.


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Corruption: ICPC Threatens Sanctions as 330 MDAs Fail Financial, Governance Tests

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Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), has revealed that none of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), in the country complied fully with ethical standards, policies, and anti-corruption measures in the passing year.

Corruption: ICPC Threatens Sanctions as 330 MDAs Fail Financial, Governance Tests

This was following the findings from the Commission’s Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) for the MDAs.

The Commission warned that henceforth, non-compliant MDAs will face necessary actions, including enforcement, to ensure adherence to government directives.

According to the EICS scorecard released on Thursday in Abuja by Demola Bakare, ICPC spokesperson, no MDA out of 330 MDAs that were assessed through physical deployment by ICPC teams achieved full compliance.

The EICS serves as a preventive tool used to assess and enhance the compliance of MDAs with ethical standards, policies, and anti-corruption measures.

Findings from the report indicated that no MDA achieved full compliance, while 29.55 per cent of MDAs captured attained substantial compliance, and 51.62 per cent had partial compliance.

The report also observed that 15.91 per cent showed poor compliance, while 292 per cent were non-compliant.

According to the report, common gaps included a lack of whistle-blower policies, strategic plans, and effective stock verification units, adding that many MDAs failed to conduct any forms of system studies or render financial and audit reports.

Commenting on the report, Bakare noted: “This year, 2024, the tool covered 323 responsive MDAs, with 15 MDAs non-responsive and categorised as high corruption risk.

“It is imperative to inform you that this initiative has yielded some positive and value-driven impacts, and these are, but not limited to, increased awareness and compliance with anti-corruption measures, enhanced competition among MDAs to meet criteria, and improved procurement processes and data reliability.

“The Commission recognises the MDAs with substantial compliance and will continue deploying these tools to promote integrity and accountability.

“Non-compliant MDAs will face necessary actions, including enforcement, to ensure adherence to government directives. We are certain that these efforts will continue to underline ICPC’s dedication to enhancing good governance and preventing corruption.”


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Dangote Refinery Denies Liquidity Challenges, Dismisses NNPCL’s $1Bn Loan Claim

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals (DPRP) has dismissed claims that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) used a $1 billion loan secured through a crude forward sale agreement to support the refinery during a liquidity crisis.

Dangote Refinery Denies Liquidity Challenges, Dismisses NNPCL’s $1Bn Loan Claim

In a statement on Wednesday, Anthony Chiejina, company’s chief branding and communications officer, said the NNPCL’s stance was a distortion of the facts.

“We would like to clarify that this is a misrepresentation of the situation as $1bn is just about 5% of the investment that went into building the Dangote Refinery,” Chiejina said.

Chiejina stated that the refinery’s decision to enter into a partnership with the NNPCL was based on the recognition of “their strategic position in the industry as the largest offtaker of Nigerian crude” and at the time, the sole supplier of petrol into Nigeria.

“We agreed on the sale of a 20% stake at a value of $2.76 billion. Of this, we agreed that they will only pay $1 billion while the balance will be recovered over a period of 5 years through deductions on crude oil that they supply to us and from dividends due to them,” Chiejina said.

“If we were struggling with liquidity challenges we wouldn’t have given them such generous payment terms. As at 2021 when the agreement was signed, the refinery was at the pre-commission stage.”

According to the statement, the agreement would have been cash-based rather than credit-driven if the refinery struggled with liquidity issues.

The refinery’s spokesman said the NNPCL was subsequently unable to supply the agreed 300,000 barrels a day of crude (bpd).

He stated that the shortfall was because the NNPPC “had committed a greater part of their crude cargoes to financiers with the expectation of higher production which they were unable to achieve”.

“We subsequently gave them a 12-month period for them to pay cash for the balance of their equity given their inability to supply the agreed crude oil volume,” he said.

“NNPCL failed to meet this deadline which expired on June 30th 2024. As a result, their equity share was revised down to 7.24%. These events have been widely reported by both parties,” he said.


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