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Ekeh, Zinox Boss, Commits Over N500m to Create Jobs, Promote Peace in Imo
Leo Stan Ekeh, serial digital entrepreneur and Chairman, Zinox Group, has committed the sum of over N500 million towards a novel initiative to create jobs and promote peace in Imo State.
Ekeh, a native of Mbaitoli in Imo State, announced the contribution during a quarterly Stakeholders Meeting/Luncheon hosted by the Imo State government on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
The well-attended session, which was held at the Government House in Owerri, the Imo State capital, had in attendance Governor Hope Uzodinma, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, members of the expanded State Executive Council, as well as serving and past Imo State House of Assembly members and representatives from the National Assembly.
Also in attendance was President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor, former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, elder statesman Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, legendary singer Onyeka Onwenu, as well as traditional rulers, members of the clergy and academia and other distinguished sons and daughters of Imo.
Speaking during the event, Ekeh, who was the Chairman on the occasion, asserted that the 21st century is a knowledge economy which demands a new attitude and mindset.
He added that hard work, brilliance, humility and a firm belief in God are essential ingredients for success, even as he revealed that Imo State is blessed with a number of youths with these qualities.
Using himself as an example, Ekeh held that if he could achieve so much from nothing, certainly the current crop of young people in the state are better exposed, more brilliant and in a better position to achieve even more.
The digital entrepreneur explained that the N500m fund would be utilized in establishing a finishing school which would polish fresh graduates as well as the unemployed, equipping these beneficiaries with world class skills that would transform them into highly sought-after prospects that can compete with their peers globally.
He added that the products of the school would become more marketable and would secure gainful employment in Nigeria and abroad, while also adding that he would source resource persons from around the world to mentor the beneficiaries and equally re-train their trainers.
Ekeh, who seized the opportunity to sue for peace in Imo State, also appealed to all aggrieved parties to forgive and forget the wrongs of the past, even as he urged them to join forces with the current administration to restore the glory of the state.
In addition, he called on the media to exercise some restraint in their reportage and to refrain from unfairly portraying the state in bad light as a hotbed of insecurity.
‘‘I am not a politician and I will never be one in my lifetime. But nobody can convince me to fight against my state. Imo State belongs to all of us. We need to join hands with the current administration and whoever is in power to develop the state for our children and unborn generations,’’ he stated.
Further, Ekeh called on other well-meaning Imo indigenes at home and in the Diaspora to support the government and to join hands and commit to the latest project by volunteering to sponsor a minimum of five beneficiaries across each town through the finishing school. He added that the project would commence with the best qualified five per town until every unemployed graduate is re-trained in Imo state.
‘‘Through this finishing school, we will equally train the trainers and leverage on our brothers and sisters, both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora with global competences to re-train our unemployed and underemployed graduates to enhance their profiles in the global marketplace,’’ he submitted.
Also speaking at the event, Gov. Uzodinma, who delivered a scorecard of his administration’s performance within the past two years, hailed Ekeh for his unceasing contributions to the development of Imo State.
While thanking him for his many selfless and philanthropic gestures in the past, Uzodinma also expressed gratitude to the Zinox boss for his latest initiative, adding that the proposed project would go a long way in supporting the state government’s human capital development drive.
Uzodinma, who announced the rebuilding of the demolished Eke Ukwu market, amid a host of other developmental projects across the state, restated his determination to ensure that Imo State regains its rightful place as the pride of the South-East and a tourist/investors’ haven.
‘‘My beloved Ndi-Imo, I want to reiterate my resolve to serve with all my heart and with all my strength, with the fear of God. One thing you can be assured of is that under my watch as your governor, not a pin belonging to Imo State will ever be unaccounted for.
‘‘Another thing you can be sure of is that our dear Imo will become great again,’’ he declared.
In addition to the finishing school which would be commissioned this year, Ekeh equally pledged to digitally upgrade and bring proceedings in the State House of Assembly online, allowing Imo indigenes and members of the various constituencies across the state the opportunity to engage with their elected representatives more closely and in real time.
Keystone Bank has brought a motion seeking to be joined as a party to the suit over the ownership and control of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Service (EMTS), which is the holder and operator of 9Mobile Telecommunication licence.
The messy turnaround came as a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja resumed hearing in the suit.
At the hearing, Keystone Bank, brought a motion seeking to be joined as a party to the suite, a proposed statement of defence and counter-claim which discloses triable issues and also demonstrates applicant’s interest in the subject of this suit.
The bank in its counter-claim is seeking among other reliefs that the resolution of the 5th defendant passed on December 7, 2023, increasing the share capital of the 6th defendant to counter-claim from N90, 000,000 to N2, 000,000,000 and reducing the 3rd defendant’s percentage stake/interest/shareholding in the 6th defendant to counter-claim to approximately 4.5 percent is null and void.
Abubakar Funtua, the plaintiff, had dragged General Theophilus Danjuma (retd) and his company LH Telecommunication Limited, as well as the other defendants to court over the ownership and control of EMTS trading under the name of 9Mobile.
The other Defendants are Seltrix Limited (sued as the 1st defendant), the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Hayatu Hassan Hadeija, Teleology Nigerian Limited and one Mohammed Edewor, a Director in Teleology Nigeria Limited.
At the resumed hearing in the case, parties were confronted with a motion by Keystone Bank seeking to be joined as a party to the suit with a statement of defence, counter-claim and allegation of fraud against some parties in the suit No. /ABJ/CS/1971/2024.
The motion states among other things that: “The applicant, Keystone Bank, also intends to present a counter-claim and has prepared a proposed statement of defence and counter-claim which discloses triable and fecund issues and also demonstrates applicant’s interest in the subject of this suit.
“The case of the applicant, is that the resolution passed by the 3rd defendant on May 9, 2023, approving the change of control/ownership of the 5th defendant from the 3rd defendant to the 8th defendant, in violation of the facilities agreements (Deed of Share charge) between the applicant and 3rd defendant, and the orders of the court made on February 20, 2023, in suit No. FHC/L/CS/297/2023 is illegal, null and void.
“The case of the applicant, as set out in the proposed statement of defence and counter-claim, is that the resolution passed by the 3rd defendant on May 9, 2023, approving the change of control/ownership of the 5th defendant from the 3rd defendant to the 8th defendant, in violation of the facilities agreements (Deed of Share charge) between the applicant and 3rd defendant, and the orders of the court made on February 20, 2023, in suit No. FHC/L/CS/297/2023 is illegal, null and void.
“The applicant also asserts in the proposed statement of defence and counter-claim that the resolution of the 5th defendant passed on December 7, 2023, increasing the share capital of the 6th defendant to counterclaim from N90,000,000 to N2,000,000,000 and reducing the 3rd defendant’s percentage stake/interest/shareholding in the 6th defendant to counterclaim to approximately 4.5 perceent is null and void.
“The applicant intends to seek the following reliefs, endorsed on the proposed statement of defence and counter-claim, at the hearing of the case: “A declaration that the 1st defendant to counterclaim is not a shareholder, either directly or indirectly, of the 6th defendant to counterclaim.
MTN Nigeria’s Go Make A Difference (Go MAD) campaign brought its message of innovation and empowerment to Aba, the renowned hub of enterprise, on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
L-R: Joseph Ogbuka, Manager, Go-To-Market, MTN Nigeria; Micheal Chinedum Ogbonna, CEO, Mua Couture; Dr. Precious Uche, CEO, Tonatel Beauty & Spa and MacDaniels Enwemuche, Regional Manager, Sales & Trade Development, MTN Nigeria at the Go MAD regional activation at Sugarland, Luxury City Hotels, Aba on Sunday March 23, 2025.
The event, held at Sugarland, Luxury City Hotel, celebrated local creativity and resilience while encouraging Nigerians to take bold steps toward transforming their communities.
Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria had earlier the inspiration behind the Go M.A.D initiative. “The Go M.A.D. campaign is rooted in the belief that MTN data gives you the power to take on the world, to achieve the extraordinary, and to make a meaningful difference, in your community, your family, and your workplace.”
The campaign has already made stops in cities like Abuja, Enugu, Calabar, Ibadan, and Benin, showcasing changemakers who embody the spirit of progress. In his opening remarks, MacDaniels Enwemuche, Regional Manager, Sales & Trade Development at MTN Nigeria, emphasised the importance of resilience during challenging times. He stated: “MTN is here to remind us that every great achievement starts small. We’re providing a platform for Nigerians to showcase their skills and products, not just locally but globally, removing limitations and amplifying their impact.”
Describing Aba as Nigeria’s “Silicon Valley”, Enwemuche explained the need to activate this campaign in Aba, due to the city’s industrious spirit and alignment with the Go MAD philosophy: “Aba is already making a difference. Every person — doctor, teacher, shoemaker — has a role to play in our ecosystem. Do it well.”
The event featured inspiring stories from local changemakers. Like chessmaster Tunde Onakoya, the campaign’s ambassador, these stories reflected how small steps can lead to global impact. Onakoya rose from humble beginnings to become a Guinness World Record holder for the longest chess marathon. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of determination and digital connectivity.
Local talents also took centre stage in a vibrant showcase. A body painter, tailor, and mechanical engineer demonstrated their crafts live, while fashion designer Prinna Nnanna unveiled an athleisure line sewn overnight and modelled on-site.
The Icons of Impact session highlighted changemakers using MTN data to drive social change. Dr. Precious Uche, CEO of Tonatel Beauty and Spa, shared her mission to redefine beauty standards:
“My business fights bleaching and promotes ‘black is beautiful.’ MTN data has helped me spread this message across Owerri and Aba.”
Fashion entrepreneur Michael Chinedu Ogbonna, CEO of Mua Couture, discussed how digital tools have expanded his reach: “The internet has made the world a global village. I now create clothes for clients in Malaysia, the US, and Canada — all thanks to data.”
Through storytelling, cultural showcases, and real-life examples, the Go MAD Aba activation reminded attendees that even small acts of courage can spark significant change. The campaign continues to celebrate resilience and innovation across Nigeria while empowering communities with digital tools.
With upcoming activations planned for cities like Jos, Lagos, and Kano, MTN remains committed to inspiring Nigerians to make a difference, one bold step at a time.
Ayotunde Coker, chief executive officer of OpenAccess Data Centre has described Open Access fabric, the company’s Africa-led interconnection platform as key driver of a digital economy, offering a range of virtual connectivity services from Open Access Data Centres (OADC) facilities.
Empowered by West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), extensive digital backbone, OAfabric offers enterprises and service providers access to diverse digital ecosystems, supporting user-to-service, user-to-user and site-to-site connectivity.
Coker stated this during a tour of Open Access Data Centre facility in Lagos by some journalists recently.
According to him, “designed as a future-ready foundation, OAfabric unites cloud and local connectivity with OADC’s market-leading colocation solutions, establishing an innovative, scalable African infrastructure platform that addresses both local and global digital transformation demands.
“OA fabric offers a reliable, adaptable interconnection platform to support Africa’s growing digital needs and hybrid infrastructures for local and global providers
“Enabling secure, direct cloud connections, OA fabric supports data sovereignty and fosters local provider growth, OA fabric provides IX peering, virtual interconnection, and tailored IP services for Africa’s digital landscape.
“It’s not about a particular service provider, it’s about everybody. Once you have a network and you are able to route traffic, even if you are not live yet, and you are hoping to come in the future, we are waiting for you to come on board. So, that platform converges everybody.
“With Open Access fabric, everyone is expected to interconnect. You are collaborating with the government. You are collaborating with the banks. We are collaborating with all these guys to interconnect everyone, Microsoft, Google, all the cloud companies connect into it, because we already have the connectivity business”.
He noted that, “Through OA fabric, all the other connectivity providers have access to any content on OA fabric, so SMB, SMEs, MSMEs, who probably doesn’t have a registered business, but on social media, selling clothes and things like that, can have cost effective access to resources on the internet.
Speaking on Metro fiber project which OADC is partnering with WBT, Coker explained that they have covered over 5 million homes in Lagos. “The job of the Internet Service Provider or MNO in the project is to maintain relationship with the residents of that area, make sure that the infrastructure is secured”.
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