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Gov. Uzodimma Lauds Leo Stan Ekeh Over Strategic Development In Imo, Urges Others To Emulate Him
Senator Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo State, has called on the well-to-do Imo sons and daughters, to emulate the kind gesture of the Chairman, Zinox Group, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, who has made it a duty to give back to the society, stressing that Ekeh’s commitment to empowering Imo youths is in alignment with the Shared Prosperity Initiative of his administration, hence he enjoins other wealthy Imolites to embrace the ideas and initiatives to better the state.
Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman, Zinox Group.
The Governor made this call at the Imo State University, Owerri, weekend during the graduation ceremony of the Trainees of Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation Free Entrepreneurship Programme.
The Governor, who is the Visitor of the University, was represented at the event by his Deputy, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru.
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The Governor was delighted to witness the auspicious occasion, as he warmly welcomed Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation and other invited guests to Imo state, while congratulating the graduands and encouraging them to make good use of the skills acquired during the training and opportunities provided by the foundation.
“I am delighted to stand before you at this auspicious occasion to welcome Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation and other invited guests to Imo state.
“In the same vein, I wish to congratulate the graduands of the special Free Entrepreneurship Programme, organized by Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation and powered by our very own Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, the Chairman, Zinox Group, African Leading Technology Icon, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, who, incidentally, is from our dear state, Imo”, the Governor said.
“Chief Leo Stan Ekeh has defied a popular saying by Zig Ziglar, who opined that “you don’t build a business, you build people, people then build the business.
“Our Leo Stan Ekeh has built businesses, built and still building people, who have built and still building businesses.
“My beloved brother, Leo Stan, may God continue to expand your coast as you navigate the business world, building people and businesses and bringing succour to many indigent homes”, the Governor added.
To the beneficiaries of the programme, he said, “our maiden graduands, as you are empowered today, having been trained in Mordern Etiquette, Entrepreneurship, Business Law, Career Planning, E-Commerce, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and so on, the sky is your limit. Therefore, go and explore the world, full of opportunities”
The Governor also likened the activities of Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation to the ideas of his Shared Prosperity Administration, as he remarked, “this laudable programme is very much in sync with the Shared Prosperity Initiatives of my administration, especially, in the area of Youth Empowerment, and our government will continue to have a robust partnership with the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, like we had in the SkillUp Imo Programme, in order to continue in our efforts to physically and digitally convey wealth and prosperity to the door step of every Imolite”.
The Governor however, submitted by thanking the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation for choosing the Imo State University for the maiden innovative free entrepreneurship program, while calling other well-to-do Imolites to emulate Chief Leo Stan Ekeh and key into the Shared Prosperity ideas and initiative of his administration.
He also appreciated the students, staff and management of Imo State University, especially, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. U. U Chukwumaeze, SAN, for graciously accommodating the Foundation’s Center, for the empowerment of Imo Youths and overall betterment of our dear state.
The Founder and Chairman of the Foundation, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, who was in company of his amiable wife, Mrs Chioma Ekeh, in his address, generously appreciated the Imo State Governor, Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma, for providing him with the enabling environment and opportunity to contribute his own quota to the state and for always supporting and recommending him to the world, at every given opportunity, while pledging his unwavering commitment to supporting Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration and unrelentingly carve his name in the hearts of the good people of Imo state and beyond.
The Technology guru and icon, Chief Leo Stan, also enjoined the graduands to focus on their goals for a brighter future, following their training and empowerment, through hardwork and perseverance, then ensure they give back to the society once God blesses them with wealth.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. U. U Chukwumaeze, speaking earlier, also expressed his gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma for always supporting him and the University while thanking Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, for bringing the life changing opportunity to Imo State University while he holds sway as the Vice Chancellor.
The high points of the occasion was the gifting of all the graduands, a working Zinox tablets by the Foundation, as announced by the Chairman, Chief Ekeh and the presentation, on behalf of the students, staff and management of the Imo state University, of a beautiful picture portrait by the Imo Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, to Chief Leo Stan Ekeh.
Other dignitaries at the event were; the Commissioner for Tertiary and Technical Education, Prof. Victor Nwachukwu, represented by Director of the Department, Mrs Nkechi M. Eke, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Office of the Deputy Governor, Sir (Barr) Tobechi Ekomaru, Director-General, Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, Engr. Amasike Emelonye, Director, Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation Center, IMSU, Prof. Gloria Chimeziem Earnest-Samuel, the Chairman, Mbaitoli Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Eze George Ekeh, All the Principal Officers of the University and members of the Academia.
9mobile, telecommunications operator, has described as untrue the rumors suggesting that it has shut down its operations.
according to the telcos, these claims are entirely baseless and aimed at causing unnecessary panic among our valued subscribers, the mobile operator said in a statement.
“We understand that some customers have recently faced challenges, particularly with Mobile Number Portability (MNP), a service that enables seamless network switching.
“We want to clarify that 9mobile has never restricted customers from porting to other networks. We remain fully compliant with industry regulations and committed to delivering fair, transparent, and customer-focused services.
“While there have been temporary technical challenges affecting MNP, these issues have now been largely resolved. Some minor delays may still occur due to ongoing system optimizations, but we are actively working to ensure a smoother experience for all users.
“As a proudly Nigerian brand, we embody the resilient spirit of our people and remain steadfast in our commitment to overcoming challenges. We acknowledge the temporary service disruptions some customers may have experienced in different locations.
“However, we assure you that these disruptions are part of a broader transformation effort aimed at modernizing our infrastructure and improving overall service quality.
“Our ongoing investments in network upgrades and service expansion will soon yield significant improvements, ensuring reliable connectivity for individuals, businesses, and communities.
“We sincerely appreciate the patience and loyalty of our subscribers during this transition. While challenges exist, we are making significant progress and are confident that brighter days are ahead. We remain dedicated to providing exceptional service and keeping you connected to limitless opportunities”.
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has initiated an investigation into the data processing practices of Tiktok and Truecaller, following growing concerns about potential privacy violations.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, made the announcement today during a press conference in Abuja, where he also revealed the issuance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act – General Application and implementation directive (NDPC Act – GAID), 2025.
Dr Olatunji stated that the commission’s primary concern is how these platforms manage Nigerian users’ personal data, including potential breaches of consent, data sharing with third parties, and overall compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023. He confirmed that the NDPC is actively investigating Tiktok and Truecaller’s data processing activities to ensure they comply with Nigeria’s data protection laws.
“The goal is to safeguard the privacy rights of Nigerians and hold organizations accountable for how they collect, store, and use personal data,” he added.
This investigation comes amid increasing scrutiny of global tech companies regarding data privacy, especially concerning how personal information is processed, stored, and transmitted beyond national borders.
The NDPC act – GAID, 2025, issued today, provides a detailed framework for implementing Nigeria’s data protection law, outlining compliance guidelines, enforcement mechanisms, and obligations for both public and private organizations.
Dr Olatunji emphasized that the directive aims to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy by fostering trust in data governance while ensuring individuals’ rights to privacy are respected in accordance with international best practices.
He reiterated that companies operating in Nigeria must comply with the country’s data protection regulations or face regulatory actions, including fines and potential restrictions.
The NDPC has urged the public to report any data privacy violations and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and due process in its investigations.
The commission noted that reporting data breaches has become more accessible through dedicated channels on its official website.
In a resounding commitment to bridging gender digital divide, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), has taken a decisive step toward closing the gender digital divide by presenting the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) at the United Nations 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). Themed “Digital Harmony: Advancing Gender Inclusion by Empowering Women and Children for a Secure Digital Future,” the high-level event reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to fostering equitable access to digital technology, online safety, and economic empowerment for women and children.
L-R: Esther Eghobamien-Mshelis – President of UN CEDAW, Iklima Musa – Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA, Noimot Salako – Deputy Governor Ogun state, Maryam Ciroma – former minster of women affairs, Imaan Sulaiman- Minister of Women Affairs, Josephine Anenih – former Minister of women affairs and Dr Maryam Keshinro – Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Women Affairs at the United Nations 69th Session.
Speaking at the event, Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Assistant to the Director General on Strategic Partnerships, presented the strategy, emphasizing NITDA’s role in driving digital transformation and creating opportunities for women and girls to actively participate in the digital economy.
The NGDIS, developed in alignment with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8, seeks to remove barriers to digital inclusion by expanding access to digital skills training, infrastructure, and mentorship opportunities for women and girls.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA as represented by the SA, in his special remarks reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s digital transformation is inclusive and equitable, highlighting NGDIS as a game-changer in achieving gender parity in the digital space.
He noted that the framework prioritizes digital literacy, entrepreneurship, safety, and gender-responsive policies to accelerate women’s participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
The NGDIS is built on five core pillars that will drive women’s access, participation, and leadership in the digital ecosystem. It seeks to expand digital literacy and skills by ensuring at least 40% female participation in all national training initiatives.
Recognizing the role of women in Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape, the strategy emphasizes access to funding, mentorship, and technical assistance for female-led startups, leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act to increase financial and institutional support for women in the tech ecosystem. With 58% of young women globally experiencing online harassment, the NGDIS prioritizes online safety and cybersecurity awareness.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Imaan Sulaiman, FSI, underscored the urgent need for action in tackling gender disparities in digital access.
She revealed alarming statistics that demonstrate the stark reality of the digital divide in Nigeria, highlighting that 68% of Nigerian women do not own smartphones, making it difficult for them to access online services and economic opportunities.
She stressed that this divide extends beyond access, as women and children face significant online risks, including cyber harassment, digital gender-based violence, and exclusion from the rapidly growing tech-driven economy.
She called for the swift implementation of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) 2024-2027, which seeks to remove the structural barriers that prevent women from fully engaging in the digital economy.
She emphasized the need for strong legal frameworks that would accelerate action in promoting digital literacy, providing safe online spaces, and empowering women to thrive in technology-driven industries.
She reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is committed to creating an inclusive digital future where no woman or child is left behind.
She urged all stakeholders to work together to transform digital access and security for women and children, making technology a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
As the world embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, NITDA in collaboration with stakeholders is taking bold and strategic steps to ensure that women and girls are not only participants but also leaders in the digital transformation journey.
The National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy is a blueprint for action, providing a clear framework for accelerating digital inclusion, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening online safety for Nigerian women and children.
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