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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.
Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has announced a $15 million grant to support 3,000 budding entrepreneurs from 52 African countries.
Tony Elumelu, founder, TEF, made this known on Sunday in Abuja during the unveiling of the 2025 cohort of the foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme.
He stated that each beneficiary would receive a $5,000 seed grant to kick-start their businesses.
Elumelu, who is also chairman of Heirs Holdings, Transcorp, and United Bank for Africa (UBA), reaffirmed his commitment to empowering African entrepreneurs and transforming the continent’s economic landscape.
According to Elumelu, the foundation aims to democratise opportunity across the continent, fostering economic growth and providing young Africans with access to funding and mentorship.
“We had a vision that started in 2010; one that envisions a self-sustaining Africa, driven by the energy, vision, and resilience of young entrepreneurs.
“We understand the challenges they face in contributing to Africa’s economic transformation.
“If empowered and encouraged, these young Africans can drive meaningful change,” he said.
He noted that capital alone was not enough, highlighting the importance of business education, mentorship, and training in building successful entrepreneurs.
The entrepreneurship programme, which began in 2015, originally set out to economically empower 10,000 young Africans over 10 years, each receiving $5,000 in seed capital.
“This year marks the 15th anniversary of the foundation, and we have made a considerable impact across all 54 African countries.
“In the 21st century, Africa does not need aid; what it needs is investment in its youth,” Elumelu said.
Somachi Chris-Asoluka, chief executive officer (CEO), TEF, noted that since the programme’s launch in 2015, the foundation had.disbursed over $100 million to more than 21,000 young entrepreneurs across Africa.
According to Chris-Asoluka, these businesses have collectively created 1.5 million enterprises, and generated $4.5 billion in revenue.
“Our entrepreneurs have demonstrated that ideas are the lifeblood of the African continent.
“For the 2025 cohort, we received over 200,000 applications, and from this pool, 3,000 entrepreneurs from 52 African countries will receive $15 million in funding.
“Each entrepreneur will receive a $5,000 non-refundable seed grant; this is neither a loan nor equity,” she stated.
She further assured that the foundation had a monitoring and evaluation platform in place to track progress after disbursement, ensuring that beneficiaries adhered to their approved business plans.
National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has urged Nigerians to dispose of used batteries responsibly to prevent environmental and health hazards.
Innocent Barikor, director-general of NESREA, stressed the need to upgrade the lead-acid battery recycling sector in Nigeria and Africa.
He told Vanguard Newspaper recently that improper disposal of batteries poses severe risks to public health and called for strict adherence to environmental regulations.
He noted that Nigeria had already introduced regulations for the battery sector and emphasized the need for enforcement.
Barikor also highlighted the importance of standardizing battery recycling regulations across Africa, stressing that non-uniform policies hinder progress.
He further noted that the recent international conference was organized to bring together stakeholders and experts from other countries to discuss solutions and best practices for improving lead-acid battery recycling in Africa.
He said, “Nigerians should simply avoid breaking batteries. There are registered collectors trained to handle used batteries. If you’re through with your battery, send it to the people who know how to collect and dispose of it properly.
“The regulation is not meant to shut down businesses but to ensure batteries are handled responsibly. More batteries will be needed due to the transition to green energy, but we must prevent lead contamination.
“Part of the challenge we have today is the lack of standardization among African countries. If regulations are uniform, companies will have no choice but to comply,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr. Leslie Adogame, executive director, Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV), called for cleaner recycling technologies in the lead-acid battery sector.
According to Adogame, a policy framework was developed following global concerns over Nigeria’s lead recycling practices, which led to increased scrutiny from international investors.
He explained that European investors buying lead from Nigeria had cut ties with some facilities due to pollution concerns, which prompted regulatory changes.
He said, “When we examined the industry, we found many sharp practices under the guise of recycling. While recycling is good, brown recycling—where pollution is not controlled—is harmful.
“You cannot put the economy above people’s health. If facilities must be shut down to protect lives, then that’s what should be done,” he stated.
On the adoption of cleaner technologies, Adogame added, “We are not promoting a particular technology, but industries must embrace best practices. If you must recycle, use equipment that does not pollute the environment.”
Meanwhile, Andreas Manhart, coordinator of the Partnership for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (ProBaMet), highlighted efforts to improve lead-acid battery recycling in Nigeria.
He noted that informal recycling practices contribute to severe pollution and called for sustained efforts to protect public health.
“The project has introduced improved recycling technologies, trained recyclers, and worked with government agencies to enforce stricter regulations.
“Continuous enforcement of environmental laws, investment in modern recycling facilities, and stronger collaboration between stakeholders are necessary to minimize lead contamination,” he added.
Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has explained the reasons why it is clamping down on illegal and unlicensed courier and logistics operators in Enugu State.
The Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department (CLRD) team of NIPOST, began the enforcement operations by sealing offices of unlicensed operators and confiscating some motorbikes belonging to illegal and unlicensed operators.
It was gathered that some of the affected operators had been issued with demand notices since 2023, with them not showing any interest in complying with the provisions of the law.
Gideon Shonde, general manager, CLRD, who spoke to newsmen during the exercise in Enugu, said NIPOST was enforcing its regulatory mandates with the exercise, which he said was necessary to sanitize the sector especially as the Postal, Express, Courier and Logistics industry in Nigeria had been proliferated and infiltrated with so many unlicensed and illegal courier and logistics operators, posing serious threats to Nigerians.
While disclosing that he and his team had visited Enugu before now with compliance level still very low, he lamented that there had been unethical practices, such as price undercutting, pilfering, broaching, damages, loss and dumping of customers items, poaching and subletting of operating licenses with a mountain of public complaints about customers being duped or obtaining money from them under pretences, no traceable office address nor registered brand name.
Shonde pointed out the issue of public safety and security threats, due to carriage of illicit drugs and prohibited items like small arms and ammunition, guns, gold, monies, and obscene items, among other illicit items.
He, however, said any interested private investors into the Postal, Express, Courier and Logistics business should follow due process and obtain a grant of operating Licenses from the Federal Government.
He advised that they should obtain a grant of Operating License from the NIPOST postmaster general as stipulated by the extant laws or risk facing the full wrath of the law, and prosecution.
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