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Leo-Stan Ekeh Miracle: Celebrating Digital Icon@63
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Do miracles exist?
The jury is still out on that.
Nevertheless, the life and times of one man, more than ever before, represents a higher level of refinement, an embodiment of that once-in-a-lifetime feeling that bubbles to the surface when we witness a phenomenon that is so rare and uncommon that we find no other explanations for it other than reach for the sublime, the supernatural, a miracle…
Phillip Brooks, renowned author, motivational speaker, clergyman and particularly remembered as lyricist of the Christmas hymn, O Little Town of Bethlehem probably had this eclectic man in mind when he famously stated: “Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be the miracle.”
Perhaps, no statement is more fitting in describing the genius that is Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of the Zinox Group and arguably Africa’s biggest digital entrepreneur than the assertion of Nicholas James Vujicic, foremost Australian evangelist and motivational speaker who quipped that: “If you don’t get a miracle, become one.”
Born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of arms and legs and only one of seven known individuals who are diagnosed with the syndrome, Vujicic certainly knew what he was talking about.
Ekeh started out in life and business seeking a miracle but in the absence of one, he became a miracle.
Born on February 22, 1956 in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli Local Government, Imo State to a modest but very disciplined Christian family, Leostan, as he is popularly known, is a devout Catholic, former mass servant and chorister who – through sheer dint of hard work, uncommon vision, Spartan discipline and a restless spirit which he impressively channeled into a disruptive approach to business – has succeeded in re-writing the history of entrepreneurship in the Third World.
A stickler for success, Ekeh has not only built the biggest Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Group in Africa with advanced competencies in virtually every sphere of the ecosystem, but is also spearheading an e-Commerce revolution on the continent through the landmark strides and huge value being delivered through Konga, an e-Commerce giant that is currently the beautiful bride of potential investors ahead of a much-anticipated listing of its shares on the New York Stock Exchange.
Incidentally, Ekeh pioneered e-Commerce in Africa with the launch of BuyRight Africa over 12 years ago.
An Economics graduate of the University of Punjab, Ekeh’s stay in the Northern Indian city of Chandigarh for his Bachelor’s degree programme was an eye-opener. In addition to the environmental influence on entrepreneurship, the ultra-modern city of Chandigarh exposed him to extreme creative hard work and it was from here that the seeds of Ekeh’s serial entrepreneurship was first planted.
From India on to Cork City University, Ireland in 1983 where he sought a postgraduate degree in Computer Science with a bent for User Interface, Ekeh took his dreams along with him.
The dream?
“Technology is the only profession that can make the son of a poor man the richest man in the world. It is also the only profession in the world that can help the son of a rich man consolidate the wealth of his parents,” disclosed Ekeh in a recent talk delivered to thousands of eager participants at the 2019 Economic Summit of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of the many interventions and mentorship sessions he regularly delivers to an army of disparate youths: students, entrepreneurs, women interest groups and youths from all walks of life.
He had always nursed a vision that technology would rule the world in future and despite the prevailing narrative at the time of his scholarship in Europe of Africa being unripe for technology, Ekeh soldiered on with an ambition to put the African continent on the global technology world-map.
Despite seeing his ambition to seek scholarship in technology at Cork City terminated after three months, Ekeh opted for postgraduate studies in Risk Management, effectively settling for a shared course at Nottingham University and City University, London. An inquisitive mind, his foray into pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Law at what is today known as Guildhall University, London in order to understand the laws guiding international business, was also cut short when the lure of returning to his country of birth to begin the process of making a difference, became too strong to ignore.
What followed next is the stuff of which legends and folklores are made…
On the occasion of Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary on October 1st 2001, Ekeh was singled out for honour by the then-President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as an Icon of Hope for his sustained pioneering efforts in the area of Information Technology and also as a pride to modern Nigeria.
The award, one among a long list of over 85 local and international awards including the national honour of OFR – Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – for his incisive digital entrepreneurship, perhaps do little to unmask the genius and uncommon brilliance of a man whose massive strides, landmark achievements and personal philosophy will find grand placement in the pantheon of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs.
Every encounter with this iconoclast only serves to reinforce the greatness that exudes from every pore of his body, every speech, gesture, pronouncement and business move. No other entrepreneur on this side of the Atlantic can rival the level of consistent success Ekeh has achieved with every venture he sets his mind and heart on. His is akin to a man with the magic wand!
His legacies are not only numerous and alive, but are certain to out-live him. Such is the enduring quality of the man – Leo Stan Ekeh: mentor to many, leader, business aficionado, serial digital entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Today, Ekeh – a teetotaler who neither drinks nor smokes – can be said to be 99 per cent close to achieving his ambition of building Africa’s most integrated ICT Group.
In addition to pioneering desktop publishing and computer graphics in Nigeria through a 32-year-old Task Systems Ltd., his first company; Ekeh is also responsible for a series of outstanding firsts including pioneering the use of digital dispensing fuel pumps in Nigeria, the launch of the first ICT support company in Nigeria – ITEC Solutions Ltd; pioneer of ICT distribution in West Africa with the launch of Technology Distributions Ltd. which has remained the biggest distributors in the West African sub-region; manufacture of the first internationally certified computer brand in Sub-Saharan Africa: Zinox Computers; deployment of the largest single e-library and wireless cloud roll out in Africa and biometric digital revolution through the sterling work done through Zinox in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in creating a credible database of voters for Nigeria, among other firsts.
Ekeh’s love for e-Commerce, which he famously pioneered in Africa – has also seen the mega transformation of Konga into an e-Commerce power-house, with bold, ambitious designs which has seen the company’s value appreciate multiple folds since its acquisition from previous majority investors, Naspers and AB Kinnevik and subsequent merger with Yudala.
A global advisor to Microsoft, Ekeh has consistently proven that Africa and Africans have the brain-power, capacity and vision to hold their own on the world stage. It is with this determination that led to Mr. Ekeh visioning, designing and building what is rated as the best digital house in Europe which has become a Mecca of sorts to billionaires, eager to experience the technological, architectural and design marvel.
And through his deep sense of charity and benevolence, many lives have been touched miraculously, even as he continues to live a life of model simplicity and humility.
As the Lord asked, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Ekeh, by his life and times, has boldly answered: “Here am I. Send me!”
Happy Birthday to a digital icon @ 63!
Contributed by an ex-employee of Mr. Ekeh’s.
The Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, Jumia Nigeria, for its giant strides and in the growth of the country’s e-commerce sector, as well as its unique contributions to its economic development.
He said that Jumia has earned its place as a major brand, with its growth and trajectory in the country’s e-commerce ecosystem over the years which, he said, has made it a household name. He urged the company to not only strive to maintain its excellent service standards, but to also work towards improving them.
The Governor who was speaking during a courtesy visit by the management of Jumia Nigeria to the State House in Marina on Thursday March 27, reaffirmed the strategic importance of the company in the economic development of Lagos State and Nigeria, especially in job creation.
He restated his administration’s commitment in ensuring that Lagos State remains environmentally friendly for businesses to grow.
“Our administration has always prioritized creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Through various initiatives, we have strengthened the ease of doing business, and fostered innovation to drive economic growth, and we will continue to support businesses and create opportunities that will aid in their growth”, Sanwo-Olu said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said that the Lagos State Government remains open to collaborations with the private sector to enhance service delivery, infrastructure development, and create opportunities for residents, with the aim of building a resilient and sustainable future.
He said the administration recognises the importance of working with the private sector to achieve its goals of improving the lives of its citizens.
Speaking also, the Chief Executive Officer of Jumia Nigeria, Sunil Natraj, thanked the governor for creating an enabling environment in the state for businesses like Jumia to grow. He stated Jumia’s commitment to contributing towards the growth and development of the state, and the country.
Natraj said the company has made tremendous strides from its early days as a tech start-up in Lagos and has grown to become the number one e-commerce platform in Nigeria, with a presence in nine African countries. He said the company presently employs hundreds of Nigerians directly, and thousands more indirectly as independent sales agents and partners.
He restated Jumia Nigeria’s commitment to providing excellent service, focusing on delivering exceptional value and fostering long-term relationships with its customers around the country.
Among other things, he said the company is actively working to enhance customer experience, aiming to simplify the e-commerce process, making it easier for customers to navigate and shop online.
According to him, Jumia aims to transform everyday life in Africa by making it easier for consumers to access goods and services conveniently and affordably, adding that the company is focused on expanding access to retail across the country.
Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced its readiness for the capital market with an Initial Public Offer (IPO) now in the final stage.
Mr. Olugbenga Oluwaniyi, chief finance and investor relations officer (CFIO), NNPC, stated this at a consultative meeting with partners at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, on Thursday.
He said the move aligned with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
He said NNPCL was currently engaging with prospective partners in an exercise tagged: “NNPC Ltd. IPO Beauty Parade” in line with capital market regulations before the commencement of the IPO.
According to the CFIO, the aim of the IPO Beauty Parade is to assess potential partners and determine in what ways they could be of support to the company.
He listed the areas of partnership required to include Investor Relations, IPO Readiness Advisors, and Investment Bank Partners.
He said the company with the best offer in terms of project partnership would be selected for each of the three categories.
The PIA provides for NNPCL to list its shares in the capital market in line with the provisions of the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 1990.
Federal High Court in the Bwari Judicial Division has thrown out a case of fraud filed against the Chairman of Zinox Technologies, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, his wife, Chioma Ekeh, and 11 others.
Femi Falana and Leo Stan Ekeh
This is the umpteenth time.
The latest is the dismissal of the suit by Justice Akpan Okon Ebong of the FCT High Court, who struck out the case filed by Mr. Femi Falana SAN, purporting to act on a fiat donated to him by Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN, attorney general and minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, against Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of Zinox Technologies, and 12 others.
The other defendants are Mr. Chris Eze Ozims, Oyebode Folashade, Charles Adigwe, Obilo Onuoha, Agartha Ukoha, Anya O. Anya, Femi Dosumu, Nnenna Kalu, Admas Digital Technologies Limited, Technology Distributions Limited and Zinox Technologies Limited.
In the suit No. FCT/HC/CR/985/24 filed in November 2024, Falana, on behalf of his client, Benjamin Joseph, the CEO of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited, an Ibadan-based computer firm, filed charges against Ekeh, 9 other individuals and 3 companies before the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly diverting N162,247,513.80 being payment for laptop supply contract at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Headquarters which Technology Distribution Ltd (now TD Africa), the biggest tech equipment distributor in sub-Saharan Africa supplied on behalf of Citadel in 2012.
However, in the certified true copy of the judgment dated March 20, 2025, Justice Ebong ruled as follows: “It is my conclusion based on the foregoing that this charge (No. FCT/HC/CR/985/2024, Federal Republic of Nigeria v Leo Stan Ekeh and 12 ORS) constitutes a gross abuse of court process and is liable to dismissal. I accordingly hereby dismiss it.”
Before arriving at his judgment, which has put the final nail in the coffin of a case that other courts had also dismissed in the past as dead on arrival, Justice Ebong considered the outcome of previous cases and petitions filed by Mr. Joseph, none of which was in his favour.
Justice Ebong said: “One intriguing aspect of this matter is that none of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of the nominal complainant’s (Mr. Joseph) numerous petitions has found merit in any of his allegations against the defendants. When called upon before Senchi J. (Justice Danlami Z. Senchi) to prove his said allegations to the court, he failed to turn up in court. One then wonders on what premise he wants to maintain this campaign of persecution against the defendants.”
Previous judgments on the matter had established that rather than being the culprit, Ekeh and the 12 others were actually the victims of a failed money diversion scheme plotted by Mr. Joseph and Citadel.
When contacted, one of the defendants, Mr. Chris Eze Ozims, a lawyer, said: “This ruling truly reflects our consistent position on the allegations, and it is good that we have been vindicated, once more, by a competent high court.”
He asserted that the judgment of Justice Ebong was consistent with the position of the defendants and in tandem with the rulings of other judges who had previously adjudicated on the same matter.
Mr. Matthew Burkaa SAN, chief counsel to the defendants, described the judgment as a victory for integrity and the rule of law.
Court papers showed that Falana’s suit was based on the same claims that various courts had dismissed in the past as falsehood and baseless. The case arose from a contract between Citadel and Technology Distributions Limited over the supply of computers to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), a project fully funded by Technology Distributions and has no bearing whatsoever with Zinox and its promoter, Mr Leo Stan Ekeh.
It will be recalled that Mr. Joseph had lost the case and its adjunct suits at different courts in the past. In his petition to the police in 2013, police authorities discovered that Mr. Joseph provided false information to the police, prompting the Inspector General of Police to charge him for false information in charge no.CR/216/16.
In another case filed by the EFCC in his instance against his partner, Princess Kama, in charge no. FCT/HC/CR/244/2018, Honorable Justice Danlami Z. Senchi of the FCT High Court (as he then was) dismissed as false all the allegations made by Benjamin Joseph, and imposed the sum of N20 million as damages against him for false petitioning in relation to these same allegations.
Earlier court papers showed that Joseph, in his statement on oath in suit No:LD/4335/2014 in the High Court of Justice, Lagos State, dated June 28, 2019, averred that his company, Citadel, did not execute any contract with FIRS and that he was not aware that a contract had been awarded to Citadel.
In his deposition under oath, Joseph claimed that Citadel “did not at any time execute any contract for the FIRS and neither did the 2nd defendant (Princess O. Kama) who is its agent in respect of the contract it bid for with the FIRS deliver/release any documents to the Claimant (Citadel) indicating that the contract it bid for, or any other contract was awarded to it by the FIRS or any other body.”
However, a letter from the FIRS addressed to the chamber of Afe Babalola & Co dated February 11, 2014 (FIRS/PD/GDS/2559) and signed by one Idrissa Kogo, Head Legal Department, stated: “Contrary to your client’s claim that they knew nothing about the execution of the contract awarded to them and that they did not receive any payment for the execution of the contract, our record reveals otherwise.
“Your client instructed FIRS through a letter dated December 13, 2012, to deal with Princess O. Kama (Your client’s agent) in relation to the contract. Through three separate letters dated December 20, 2012, your client instructed FIRS to pay to the client’s account with Access Bank plc. Please note that FIRS acted in compliance with your client’s instruction and with due diligence,” the FIRS letter stated.
The FIRS letter was a response to inquiry by Afe Babalola Chamber, lawyers to Citadel Oracle Concept Ltd and its MD, Mr. Benjamin Joseph, at that time.
The current charges filed by Falana on the basis of a fiat from the Attorney General is the third in a row as Mr Joseph had earlier filed charge no.CR/469/2022, which was struck out by Honorable Justice C. O. Oba of the FCT High Court, by an order dated November 8, 2022.
Determined to push through with his case, Mr Joseph filed the same charges before Honorable Justice A. S. Adepoju of the FCT High Court, and the charges were, once again, struck out by the Honorable Court on March 19, 2024, with Honorable Justice Adepoju holding that: “This matter was brought in dead, extinct and should be confined into the dustbin of history…I hold that the instant suit is an abuse of the process of court, and it is hereby struck out accordingly.”
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