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Imo State Needs Peace to Progress – Ekeh, Zinox Boss
Leo Stan Ekeh, Serial digital entrepreneur and Chairman, Zinox Group, has called on all aggrieved parties in Imo State to embrace peace, noting that no form of progress can take place in an atmosphere of unrest or insecurity.
He made this known while speaking at the Imo State Government House during a courtesy visit to Governor Hope Uzodinma on Monday, May 24, 2021.
The Zinox boss, who has been pained by recent developments regarding insecurity in Imo State, had decided, based on reportage and discussions with various stakeholders, to visit the state for a personal assessment of the situation, even as he noted that the facts on ground show that the situation was not as bad as portrayed.
‘‘I think it is a temporary pain as activities were on full gear during the day and I hope night life shall soon return to what was a very peaceful state before this challenge,’’ he stated.
Ekeh, however, seized the opportunity to call for a cease-fire from all concerned parties.
‘‘The most critical thing to note is that peace is essential to the progress of any society. No meaningful progress can take place in a state where there is a high level of unrest, insecurity or a break-down of law and order. I wish to use this opportunity to plead with everyone to embrace peace, especially because this is not a time for division, but a time for all of us to band together and usher in progress in our dear state,’’ he declared.
The foremost digital disruptor, who hails from Mbaitoli LGA, decried the loss of lives and property in the state, noting that the situation may scare away potential and existing investors, if not curtailed. Furthermore, he pleaded with the people of Imo State, to save the state from such a scenario andsee dialogue as a better option.
‘‘Imo youths are very brilliant kids and street smart, but they must have faith in their future. This may be the right time to reskill to alter their destinies.Violence solves no problem. Instead, it makes a bad situation even worse.
“Rather than resort to violence, it is better to dialogue or find a middle ground. I plead with you all to consider this whenever issues arise. I also understand that the governor is a busy man. In such cases, you can reach out to people like some of us to speak with him.
‘‘I urge you all not to allow yourself to be used to destroy the state. Remember that any actions we take today may also destroy the future of our children and unborn generations.’’
Also speaking at the event, Gov Uzodinma, who reassured the Zinox boss that things had normalized, disclosed his commitment to ensuring peace and security in the state as a means of creating a conducive environment for progress and for businesses and other entrepreneurial pursuits to thrive.
While speaking with journalists on the sidelines of an event, Ekeh restated his love for Imo State, noting that he would continue to support every government in power in the state, irrespective of the status, party or identity of the governor.
‘‘I am not a politician and shall never be one in this my life time. My single interest is supporting any government in power for the progress of the state. I can tell you the Governor assured me that he is putting a lot in place to revive the economy.
“I frankly think the Federal Government, well-meaning Imo indigenes no matter where they reside, our friends and corporates operating in Imo state, should support in whatever little ways they can for absolute peace to return. I shall also do my bit.’’
In addition, the digital entrepreneur, who remains one of the biggest employers of graduates from Imo State, disclosed plans to enhance his investment in the state.
Stating that the coronavirus pandemic was a huge challenge to businesses and individuals worldwide, Ekeh noted that Nigeria was also experiencing the bitter pangs of the pandemic, having being ill-prepared for the crisis.
‘‘The truth is that no government or religious leader anticipated this disaster,’’ Ekeh disclosed.
He advised all to draw closer to God, even as he disclosed that God is the only distinguishing factor.
Ekeh, a renowned philanthropist, has touched millions of lives in Imo State and across Nigeria through his support for the less privileged, churches, educational institutions and other segments of the populace.
Through the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, his personal foundation, Ekeh has granted scholarships to many indigent students, constructed markets, provided Medicare for many and also set up an interest free N1.5bn revolving loan scheme for entrepreneurs, among many other noble interventions.
Bosun Tijani, minister for Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, has stated that the federal government is geared towards creating about one million technology jobs for teeming Nigerian youth.
Tijani stated this at the official opening of a solar-powered community ICT center built by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Abeokuta, as part of activities marking the 38th Lisabi festival.
The minister emphasised the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to invest in the digital economy, driving inclusive growth and empowering the country’s teeming youth population.
“The president made it very clear when I came into office, that he will spend efforts and resources in creating one million technology jobs. So, for anybody that is following the development in the world today you will see that there’s no world without technology.
“There is a strong shortage of technology workforce all over the world, and while a lot of the developed countries have ageing population, and not giving birth to kids, in Nigeria, the average age is 16.9, so our young people are being projected to be the workforce of the future, not only for Nigeria.
“This center here is one of many. In the next two months, we are launching about 30 of them all over the country. This center will be properly animated and we will put resources into ensuring that there are courses for young people to come and take here.
“We are also going to ensure that there are job opportunities that we can connect them to and if anyone wants to follow, follow the three million Technical Talent Program which we have started already in the country”, he said.
He therefore charged the youth to remain focus, and not be discouraged, adding that there is massive employment opportunities in technology as there is no enough people to work in technology all over the world.
“If you ask anyone that works in technology, the entry salary is between N350,000 to N500,000. Technology pays really well, so instead of worrying about things being hard, they should take advantage of centers like this, empower themselves and go for the opportunities the world has to offer them”, he added.
Speaking earlier, Oba Adedotun Are, Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, lauded President Tinubu for approving the centre in Abeokuta, saying that this has no doubt marked another new dawn for the people of Egbaland, given rapid growth, development, and economic empowerment of the people.
National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has predicted that the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) will decline as Dangote Refinery and other local refineries commence full operations.
Speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday, April 1, NIPSS Director-General Ayo Omotayo expressed optimism that fuel prices would fall once more refineries become operational.
He projected that petrol prices could drop to around N750 per litre before the end of the year with a more stable exchange rate.
“We’re looking at it coming down as low as N750 before the end of the year. And of course, foreign exchange will still drop to about 1.3 before the end of the year, and it is going to continue like that as more of our refineries come into place.
Omotayo acknowledged the current economic hardships but insisted that the policy would benefit Nigerians in the long run.Traditional Nigerian cuisine
“The gains at this time are very little, but in the long run, we will make up for whatever sacrifices we have made today as Nigerians” he stated
U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that a deal for the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations is expected to be finalized before the April 5 deadline.
U.S. President Donald Trump
The deadline, set by legislation passed in January, mandates TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. assets or face a nationwide ban due to national security concerns.
Multiple non-Chinese firms have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations.
Private equity firm Blackstone is considering a minority investment, potentially joining existing non-Chinese shareholders such as Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic.
In a strategic move to facilitate the sale, Trump suggested that he might consider a reduction in tariffs on China, acknowledging that Chinese regulatory approval may be required for the deal to proceed.
The White House has been actively involved in negotiations to ensure that TikTok remains operational in the U.S. while addressing national security risks.
With TikTok’s 170 million American users watching closely, the outcome of the sale is expected to have a major impact on the social media landscape and the broader tech industry.
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