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Leo Stan Ekeh – the Iconic ICT Entrepreneur @ 65
The man, Leo Stan Ekeh arguably Nigeria’s foremost tech guru and serial digital entrepreneur has championed many firsts in the Nigerian ICT sector.
Leo Stan Ekeh
Mr. Ekeh is the Chairman of Zinox Group, Sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest integrated technology conglomerate which includes viable concerns such as Zinox Technologies Limited, Task Systems Ltd., Technology Distributions Limited (TD Africa) and TD Mobile, among others, through which he deployed some of the biggest ICT projects on the continent.
Mr. Ekeh has also inspired several generations of budding entrepreneurs and startups, many of whom are currently disrupting the technology space in Nigeria and beyond.
On the Nigeria’s Independence anniversary on October 1st 2001, Ekeh enjoyed the rare privilege of being honoured as an Icon of Hope by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for his sustained pioneering efforts in the area of Information Technology and also as a pride to modern Nigeria.
His ground breaking strides in the Nigerian technology ecosystem recorded another major achievement in 2018 when he made a bold return to e-Commerce (a vertical he pioneered in Africa many years ago through BuyRight Africa Dotcom) with the addition of Konga after acquiring the company from previous majority investors, Naspers and AB Kinnevik.
Barely two years after its acquisition, Ekeh transformed the composite e-Commerce giant into Nigeria’s leading player, with the brand on the cusp of dominating Africa’s biggest market and making inroads into other neighbouring African markets.
Today, this Icon of ICT in Nigeria turned 65 years old, born on February 22, 1956 in Ubomiri Mbaitoli, Imo State to a middle-class family with three brothers and two sisters.
He attended Holy Ghost College, Owerri for his secondary education, after which he went to India for his university education, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Punjab University.
Ekeh, however, believes that studying in India was a great turning point in his life, according to him, he found the Indian economy a realistic economy.”
In addition, he is a Global Advisor to Microsoft. He also holds a Post Graduate Degree in Risk Management from Nottingham University, England.
Ekeh equally holds several honorary doctorate degrees from highly respected universities for his enviable record of incisive entrepreneurship and pioneering efforts in the field of Information Technology.
Leo Stan as he is popularly known is a renowned digital democrat and philanthropist has also quietly touched so 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, donation of N50m to victims of the demolished Eke-Ukwu market in Imo State, scholarships to hundreds of indigent students across Nigeria to study both at home and abroad, as well as the set-up of a N1.5bn revolving loan scheme for disadvantaged students and entrepreneurs of Imo origin, among several others.
Furthermore, Ekeh has silently invested in education, provided Medicare to the needy and supported churches and other religious organizations through the Foundation.
During the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Leo Stan Foundation leveraged on staff of the various companies in the Zinox Group to feed over 7000 families across Nigeria for two weeks. He has also regularly supported state governments in Imo, Lagos and other parts of the country through the donations of patrol vehicles to improve security, among other donations.
Indeed, the story of Ekeh’s legendary strides is one of many firsts amid a series of landmark achievements in his chosen field of Information and Communications Technology.
He pioneered Desktop Publishing and Computer Graphics in Nigeria in 1987 with his first Company – Task Systems Ltd.
In addition, Mr. Ekeh launched the first ICT support Company in Nigeria – ITEC Solutions Ltd.
More so, 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.
He also pioneered ICT Distribution in West Africa with the launch of Technology Distributions Ltd. (today known as TD Africa) which has remained the biggest technology, lifestyle and cutting-edge solution distributors in the West African sub-region.
Furthermore, Ekeh holds the rare status of manufacturing the first internationally certified computer brand in Sub-Saharan Africa: Zinox Computers.
Equally, the biometric digital revolution in Nigeria can be attributed to Mr. Ekeh after he singlehandedly delivered to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) data capturing machine for voters’ registration when foreign contractors could not deliver after months of promises.
Four years later, he again supervised the biggest single ICT digital rollout in Africa with INEC in 2010 valued back then at over $170m, as well as the largest single e-Library and Wireless Cloud rollout project on the continent through one of his companies – Zinox Technologies Ltd.
Today, Ekeh’s contributions and sterling work with INEC have gone a long way in giving Nigeria a credible database of voters and reduced post-election litigations by over 45 per cent.
Mr. Ekeh has also been involved with companies such as ICT Brokers, TD Plus, ICT Connect and, as earlier stated, the launch of Africa’s first ever e-commerce outfit, Buyright AFRICA Dotcom.
A major advocate of digital literacy for all, Ekeh holds the enviable record of donating cutting-edge and well-equipped digital centres to several secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Significantly, Ekeh’s Zinox Group pioneered the unheralded but highly commendable practice of paternity leave in Nigeria to reduce stress on young male staff and enable them to support their spouses when they welcome a new baby.
The tech enthusiast 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 events and fora.
His passion for gender equality can be seen at first hand 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 had recently appointed another female as Managing Director of Zinox. The Group’s Human Resources Unit is also headed by a female.
Mr. Ekeh’s unerring zeal for productivity and excellence was recently rewarded by the current 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).
Applauded by professionals as a global digital giant and a man whose vision and performance shore up credibility for the indigenous capacities in the ICT sector, Leo Stan Ekeh’s 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.
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.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to immediately disclose whether it has commenced the direct disbursement of allocations to the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, following the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment nullifying state governors’ control over LGA funds.
In a letter dated 10 May 2025 obtained by our correspondent, addressed to the CBN Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group also demanded that the bank “widely publish the amounts, if any, so far sent directly to each of the local governments” and provide a detailed explanation of any payments already made—particularly to LGAs in Rivers State.
The group stated: “We are writing to request you to use your good offices and leadership position to immediately disclose whether the CBN has commenced the direct disbursement of allocations to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria from the Federation Accounts with the CBN, and to widely publish the amounts, if any, so far sent to each of the local governments.”
This request follows a Supreme Court judgment declaring the practice by governors and the FCT Minister of retaining and disbursing LGA allocations unconstitutional and unlawful.
The court ruled that no governor or agency has the authority to interfere with allocations meant for LGAs from the Federation Account.
Citing this judgment, SERAP argued: “Local government councils are entitled to a direct payment from the Federation Account of the amount standing to their credit in the said Federation Account. States should not be collecting, receiving, spending or tampering with the local government council funds from the Federation Account meant for the benefit of the councils.”
The advocacy group expressed concern that despite the ruling, many state governors have continued to “starve local governments of funds and put them in peril,” thereby undermining their autonomy and capacity to function as the third tier of government.
In the letter, the group warned that if the CBN fails to act within seven days, it would take legal action.
“If we have not heard from you by then, the Incorporated Trustees of SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the CBN to comply with our request in the public interest,” the letter stated.
SERAP referenced a past revelation by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who in December 2022 described how governors allegedly short-changed LGA chairmen.
“If the money from the Federation Account to the state is about N100 million, N50 million will be sent to the chairman, but he will sign that he received N100 million. The chairman will pocket the balance and share it with whoever he wants to share it with,” Buhari had said.
The organisation argued that the CBN has a constitutional and statutory obligation to protect the financial interests of all tiers of government.
“The CBN ought to act in the public interest to protect the allocations in the Federation Account and the public funds disbursed from that Account directly to each of the constitutionally recognised three tiers of government,” it said.
Highlighting the March 2025 revenue distribution by the Federation Account Allocation Committee, SERAP noted that a total of N1.578 trillion was shared among the three tiers of government. It queried whether the LGAs had received their fair share directly, as mandated by the court ruling.
“Ensuring that all restrictions against direct disbursement of allocations from the Federation Account to the 774 councils are lifted will comply with the orders by the Supreme Court and stop states and the FCT from tampering with the allocations ahead of the 2027 general elections,” SERAP warned.
The group further argued that Nigerians have a legal and moral right to know how their money is being managed, referencing several legal frameworks, including the Nigerian Constitution, the Freedom of Information Act, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“The public interest in publishing the information sought outweighs any considerations to withhold the information. Nigerians are entitled to the right to receive information without any interference or distortion, and the enjoyment of this right should be based on the principle of maximum disclosure,” SERAP stated.
The group also reminded the CBN that “the Freedom of Information Act is applicable and applies to public records in the Federation, including those kept by the CBN.”
Center for U.S. Immigration Services (CFUIS), a premier legal firm specializing in U.S. immigration law and global mobility, has officially launched operations in Nigeria—marking a strategic move to bridge Africa’s talent and business potential with opportunities in the United States.
Led by Nigerian-American attorney Dr. Martins I. Imudia, the expansion positions CFUIS as a trusted legal and business partner for individuals and organizations across the continent seeking expert guidance on U.S. immigration, workforce mobility, and international expansion.
Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and having other offices at Bradenton, Clearwater, Dearborn, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando.
CFUIS offers a full suite of immigration services, including employment and family-based petitions, naturalization, deportation defense, and global mobility consulting. Under Dr. Imudia’s leadership, the firm has become known for its culturally sensitive, results-driven approach that not only simplifies complex legal processes but also opens doors for global opportunity.
Whether advising multinational companies on workforce mobility or assisting individuals seeking lawful permanent residency, CFUIS provides tailored solutions grounded in empathy and precision.
The new Nigeria office will serve as a vital gateway for clients looking to access U.S. markets, relocate talent, or expand their business footprints.
Dr. Martins I. Imudia is a seasoned legal practitioner born in Oza-Nogogo, Delta State, Nigeria. A respected authority in immigration and global development, he is also the CEO of Siotoh Holdings LLC, a diversified business group overseeing ventures such as Siotoh Academy, Siotoh Global Mobility, and Otawise Technologies.
His business interests are rooted in innovation, entrepreneurship, creating economic opportunities and economic empowerment—creating practical solutions for a rapidly evolving global economy.
Beyond legal and business pursuits, Dr. Imudia is a champion of humanitarian development and a philanthropist.
He founded the Imudia Foundation to support vulnerable populations through healthcare access, social infrastructure projects, and community empowerment.
In a continued demonstration of this commitment, he co-founded Oza Invest Limited to drive capital investment and economic revitalization in his hometown, bringing a practical model of sustainable development to life.
For Dr. Imudia, service to mankind is the highest calling. His guiding philosophy revolves around leveraging his skills and resources for the common good. Whether through legal advocacy, business initiatives, or philanthropic efforts, he remains steadfast in his mission to uplift communities, empower individuals, and create lasting social impact.
In his latest initiative, Dr. Imudia has partnered with the Delta State Government to establish a vocational training school aimed at addressing unemployment and equipping youth with in-demand, job-ready skills.
The school, a project of Siotoh Academy, is now accepting registrations and offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families seeking long-term economic stability through practical education.
This initiative reflects his ongoing commitment to creating long-term solutions for unemployment and underdevelopment.
By investing in vocational training, Dr. Imudia hopes to empower a new generation with the tools and knowledge to become self-reliant, productive members of society.
The vocational school stands as a testament to his belief in education as a cornerstone of economic empowerment and social transformation.
According to Dr. Martins I. Imudia, “Our expansion into Nigeria is not just about legal services—it’s about unlocking global opportunities for individuals, empowering communities through education, and building a future where Africa plays a leading role on the world stage.
“Our work is a testament to the power of combining expertise with purpose, driving change across borders and inspiring a new generation of globally minded leaders.”
Bismarck Rewane, renowned economist and chief executive officer of the Financial Derivatives Company, has warned that the recent outbreak of the tomato leaf miner, commonly referred to as “Tomato Ebola,” is a disruption to Nigeria’s agriculture value chain.
Bismarck Rewane, CEO, Financial Derivatives Company
Speaking on Channels Television’s Business Morning programme on Thursday, Rewane emphasised that the impact of the outbreak extends far beyond tomatoes, triggering a cost ripple effect across the broader food basket.
“The effect of an increase in the price of tomatoes leads to cost elasticity which means that the price of other substitutes will begin to increase, including the price of carrots, the price of tomato paste, price of tomato puree and other things.
“One for the reddening, two for the effect and the thickening on the sauce you’re making.
“However, because tomato is a perishable commodity, it also means that if there is tomato ebola, then the price has increased, and also the supply has reduced, it has a knock-on effect on so many other things,” Rewane explained.
He added that Nigeria’s lack of food storage and preventive mechanisms has worsened the crisis, causing severe supply chain disruptions.
Rewane’s comments come amid a sharp increase in the price of tomatoes, with a 50-kilogramme basket of the commodity which used to sell for N5,000, now selling for N10,000 to N30,000, thereby compounding food inflation and straining household budget.
The Federal Government said Nigeria has so far lost over N1.3 billion to the outbreak of the invasive pest in key tomato-producing states like Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna.
Abubakar Kyari, minister of Agriculture and Food Security, explained that the outbreak has significantly disrupted tomato supply chains, causing a surge in prices.
He noted that the outbreak of tomato Ebola highlights the fragile nature of Nigeria’s horticultural systems, and that the invasive pest can destroy tomato crops within 48 hours, resulting in catastrophic yield losses.
He added that this crisis highlights the urgent need for integrated pest management strategies, investment in resilient crop varieties, and enhanced support for farmers to safeguard the country’s food supply chains.
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