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23 Years After, Obasanjo was Right on Zinox

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Leo Stan Ekeh
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By Ayodele Adigun

It was a weather-friendly Tuesday morning on October 9, 2001 at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. History was made in Nigeria. Zinox, a wholly indigenous tech brand, was launched with many firsts and unique features. The brainchild of Forbes Best of Africa’s Tech Icon, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, it had the blessings of the then President Olusegun Obasanjo, an African statesman of peerless courage.

The event was attended by dignitaries from both the public and private sectors, diplomats and representatives of multinational computer brands.

The then Vice President Atiku Abubakar was Special Guest of Honour, while President of the Senate at that time, Rt. Hon. Anyim Pius Anyim, was Chairman of the occasion. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then Governor of Lagos State, was chief host. Lagos was on lockdown literally, from the Island to the mainland as many governors, ministers, senators and members of the National Assembly, top corporate moguls, the leadership of the different labour unions, led by Adam Oshiomhole, then President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, were in attendance.

Beyond the razzmatazz of the colourful launch, Zinox more than justified the confidence Obasanjo reposed in Ekeh and the brand. It did not just transform into a formidable African brand, it scored many firsts, a salute to the legendary innovative entrepreneurial skill of Ekeh and his team and a testament to the outstanding leadership clairvoyance of Obasanjo. It is safe to say that in Zinox, Obasanjo saw the future.

After the launch, Obasanjo invited the management to Aso Rock and endorsed the Zinox brand as a national pride. It was no surprise that Obasanjo branded Ekeh: “Icon of Hope,” on October 1, 2002, as a role model to future Nigerian digital entrepreneurs, a fitting cap for an exemplar of the true Nigerian spirit of chutzpah, excellence, innovation, humility and integrity.

True, President Obasanjo achieved a lot in the ICT ecosystem from the introduction of the GSM genre of telephony via one of the most transparent mobile digital auctions administered by Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, to the creation of several indigenous computer assembly plants. But it was obvious that Zinox brand and its promoter, Ekeh, occupied a huge space in the President’s heart. Obasanjo boldly flaunted the Zinox brand, travelling the world with it, not just as a user but as a national brand and pride and was never shy to show it to other world leaders that Nigerians can also produce computers.

In one of his books, Obasanjo is a prolific writer, it has to be said, he celebrated Ekeh as a model for Nigerian youths. He topped the presidential adulation for Ekeh with the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, one of the high-ranking honours of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Obasanjo never hid his admiration for Ekeh or his pride in his accomplishments as an indigenous player with global clout. On one occasion when President Obasanjo was hosting the nation’s captains of industry at State House, he singled out Ekeh and openly prayed for him, showering him with presidential blessings and publicly affirming his positive impact on Nigerian youths as a man who is living the Nigerian dream with hard work.

On account of the reliability of the Zinox brand and Obasanjo’s matchless sense of patriotism, he directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to standardise on Zinox and equivalent indigenous brands. This gave a spur to the growth of the Zinox brand and it became the preferred brand in the industry among public and private sector officials.

Zinox at 23 is beyond a celebration of an African brand. It is a celebration of uniqueness, doggedness, resilience and entrepreneurial majesty of an African who dared the digital nerds of the advanced economies and succeeded in creating digital mills in and across Africa. But more significantly, Ekeh singlehandedly turned global attention to Nigeria.

And just by Ekeh’s stroke of genius, Zinox scored many firsts. The first internationally certified indigenous computer brand in West Africa and the first computer brand in the world to incorporate the Naira sign (N) on its keyboard. First Original Equipment Manufacturer in sub-Saharan Africa to receive Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality Lab Certification; first Microsoft Prime Production Online Automation Partner in Sub-Saharan Africa with the OA Version 3.0; first Intel Premium Partner; first OEM in West Africa to attain the ISO 9001-2015 Certification; first to acquire the Google Mobile Application Distribution Agreement in West Africa; first OEM in Nigeria to introduce renewable energy and lifestyle products and attaining the status of Intel Platinum Partner in sub-Saharan Africa.

In 23 years, Zinox has become one of a kind, unique in name, quality, global competitiveness and readiness for the market. The high-profile stature of its launch said it all. Zinox is truly like no other indigenous brand.

Atiku, a retired Customs Officer, widely travelled businessman and nationalist, underscored the seriousness of the Zinox brand at the launch. He said: “I have been in both public and private sector. I have travelled widely and have witnessed the launch of products and services across the world but nowhere in the world have I seen a product launch of this magnitude and type. Zinox has just made a huge marketing statement out of Nigeria that would be heard in the rest of Africa and around the globe.”

Atiku gushed as he addressed the enraptured and sufficiently excited audience. An elated Atiku spoke glowingly about the Zinox project, describing it as a perfect example of backward integration which sits well with the Federal Government policy of looking inward to boost the nation’s primary sector. He saluted Ekeh and his team for their ingenuity and tech-savvy showmanship.

An excited Oshiomhole, who launched the “Computerise Nigeria Project”, a social project at the event by Zinox meant to democratise the ownership of computers to the unreached and under-reached, described Ekeh as a “digital militant”.

A good 23 years after, Atiku deserves to be called a master of clairvoyance. As he predicted 23 years ago, Zinox’s influence has spread across Africa and beyond.

The public presentation of Zinox range of products was beyond a product launch. It was a loud statement on the sovereignty of Nigeria. In the 21st century, no nation is truly sovereign without her home-grown tech identity and sufficiency. Ekeh sings this as his abiding song: the need to create a truly Nigerian IT identity.

Ekeh is a serial digital disruptor, an incurable challenger of status quo. And Zinox is a product of both personal determination and patriotism. It was born to break protocol and discard stereotype. It answered the question: Can anything good come out of Nigeria?

Ekeh says with a sense of national pride and self-satisfaction: “We showed that in Nigeria, it’s possible to create technology that is smart, competitive and stands shoulder to shoulder with any of its kind across the globe. We went a step further in domesticating the technology behind Zinox. We conceptualised and built into the systems stabilizers and surge protectors to take care of our peculiar challenges of irregular electricity supply and the problems associated with switching from Alternating Current (AC – national grid) to Direct Current (DC-generators). What gives me joy above monetary reward is that today when our children hear about Zinox, they have a sense of self-belief because they have been to our plant and they now know there’s nothing so special about the computer and the technology behind it.”

So far, Zinox has proven both competence and capacity at home and other parts of Africa. It was the preferred technology that powered several mega projects including the 8th All Africa Games codenamed COJA 2003; the 18th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Nigeria in 2003; All-Africa University Games held in Bauchi in 2004; and 7th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Africa Union held in The Gambia in 2006. It has also undertaken critical interventions by transforming the Nigeria and Guinea Bissau electoral systems from analogue to digital. The conduct of Nigeria general elections in 2007 and 2011 is a good example. Zinox has also fully provided the technology for the postponed national census.

A quintessential family man, Ekeh has stayed deep-rooted in the ICT space. His wife, Lady Chioma Ekeh, a mathematician and chartered accountant, oversees the biggest tech distribution company in sub-Sahara Africa, TD Africa. His first son, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, aka The Prince of Konga, with MBA from Oxford, leads Konga, the ecommerce giant, which he acquired through his company, Yudala, in one of the most ambitious and seamless acquisitions in Africa’s tech history.

His first daughter, Gozy Ajogun, nee Ekeh, an alumnus of London School of Economics, oversees Task Systems, an ICT solutions firm under the Zinox Group. T second daughter, Chidalu Ekeh, with Masters in Digital Marketing from Imperial College, London, is a Fintech whiz, while his other two younger sons also play in the tech space.

Ekeh has built a digital family rooted in ICT. He has added digital value to Africa, but the best of them all is the gift of Zinox, for which the nation is grateful.

. Adigun, an Associate Professor of Mechatronics, writes from Lagos.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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NACCIMA, TETFund Forge Alliance to Boost Innovation, Skills, Economic Growth

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The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) have agreed to a new strategic partnership aimed at driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness.

Led by its National President and Chairman of the Organized Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), Engr. Jani Ibrahim, a high-level NACCIMA delegation visited the TETFund headquarters in Abuja today.

The team was received by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny S.T. Echono, during what both parties described as a milestone engagement.

Discussions during the meeting focused on collaborative initiatives including entrepreneurship development, support for the green economy, commercialization of academic research, industry–academia synergy, and skills development to better equip graduates for the evolving demands of the labour market.

A key outcome of the meeting was the mutual agreement to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and establish a NACCIMA–TETFund Joint Technical Committee that will oversee the implementation of agreed initiatives.

Both sides also expressed commitment to developing additional partnership frameworks that will bolster Nigeria’s competitiveness and economic resilience.

Also present at the engagement, Prof. Umar Bindir lauded the collaboration, highlighting the need for structured, long-term partnerships between academia and the private sector to generate practical solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

Arc. Echono, in his remarks, praised NACCIMA’s leadership in promoting enterprise and innovation, and reaffirmed TETFund’s readiness to work closely with the Organized Private Sector to foster research, innovation, and economic transformation.

This collaboration positions NACCIMA as a key driver of national development, helping to bridge the gap between education, enterprise, and policymaking, while empowering young Nigerians and strengthening the foundation of the country’s knowledge economy.

 


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Winners Emerge in the PalmPay, Glo Campaign

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Michael Emmanuel, Winner of an Infinix Hot 40i in the ongoing PalmPay and Glo Recharge and Win Bonanza 2
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PalmPay, a digital banking platform, in partnership with Nigeria’s telecom giant, Glo, is celebrating winners in the ongoing PalmPay & Glo Recharge. The exciting campaign, which kicked off on June 19, 2025, will run until August 23, 2025, rewarding loyal customers with fantastic prizes and exclusive bonuses.

Since the promo commenced, users have won prizes ranging from Oraimo Earbuds to Infinix Hot 40i.

The ongoing weekly campaign has recorded 20 winners, which include:

  • Michael Emmanuel from Lagos emerged as the winner of an Infinix Hot 40i
  • Perpetual Amos, winner of an Infinix Hot 40i
  • Semiu Adekunle Abegunde, winner of an Infinix Hot 40i
  • Josiah Oluwasegun Adewale, winner of an Oraimo Earbuds

Michael Emmanuel from Lagos recounted his experience as the lucky winner of the Infinix Hot 401 as he couldn’t hide his excitement. He noted, “I am so excited! I didn’t even expect it. I received a call while I was sleeping, informing me that I’d won, and I went live immediately to confirm it was real. I’ve been using PalmPay for about two years now, and winning this is such a great feeling. I’ll keep using PalmPay, and I encourage everyone to recharge their Glo line on the app; you could win too.”

The campaign, which is in its last week, has winners revealed every Friday during a live raffle draw streamed across PalmPay’s social media channels. The campaign gives customers the chance to get amazing prizes, including an iPhone 15 Pro, an Infinix Hot 40, and many other exciting rewards. Users also enjoy up to 6% cashback when purchasing Glo airtime or data via the PalmPay app.

New Glo data subscribers who have not signed up for a plan in the past 90 days will also receive a 100% bonus on their recharge during the promo period.

How to participate:

  1. Download the PalmPay app.
  2. Link your Glo number in the app.
  3. Purchase airtime or data via PalmPay; every transaction increases your chances of winning.
  4. Join the live draw

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Telcos See Biggest Growth Post-COVID – ALTON

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Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has said that the telecommunications sector in Nigeria is once again on a strong growth trajectory.

Telcos See Biggest Growth Post-COVID  – ALTON

Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, ALTON

Engr. Adebayo stated this over the weekend on the side-lines of the unveiling of Nigeria’s first Digital Museum, an initiative that preserves and showcases the nation’s history and cultural heritage.

He commended IHS Towers for spearheading the project, describing it as another clear demonstration of the industry’s commitment to the Nigerian project. He noted that by investing in the preservation of Nigeria’s past while building the infrastructure of the future, IHS has set a remarkable example of corporate citizenship.

Speaking on the state of the telecoms sector, Engr. Adebayo said: “After addressing sustainability concerns earlier in the year, we are now witnessing significant new investments in the sector: the highest we have seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of ALTON are optimising networks, building new sites to meet rising capacity demands, upgrading existing infrastructure, and migrating more sites from old radio links to high-speed fibre connections.”

He further noted that Tower Companies (TowerCos) are enhancing security across telecom sites to mitigate against vandalism and theft. “Removable batteries and generators are now fitted with trackers to trace stolen items, and we strongly advise the public to desist from buying equipment suspected to have been stolen from telecom sites,” he cautioned.

Engr. Adebayo also highlighted ongoing capacity development within the sector: “We are training and retraining our workforce to adapt to emerging technologies. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has set strict service level requirements, and we are committed to not only meeting but surpassing them. Though network optimisation may occasionally cause service disruptions, we appeal to the public for understanding as these efforts will ultimately deliver a much-improved user experience nationwide.”

On industry governance, the ALTON Chairman expressed delight at the inauguration of the new Board of the NCC, chaired by Mr. Idris Olorunimbe.

“We are very excited about the appointment of Mr. Idris. His reputation as a man of excellence precedes him. Working with the competent and visionary Executive Management Team led by the Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, and the other Executive Commissioners, we are confident the sector is set on the right path to sustainability and growth. The new Board will strengthen the remarkable progress already achieved.”

Engr. Adebayo further welcomed the rebranding of Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services (EMTS) from 9Mobile to T2, describing it as an important milestone for the industry.

“EMTS is a very important member of ALTON, and we are pleased to see their rebirth as T2. This rebranding enhances investor confidence and underscores the value of collaboration. It assures the public that there are good times ahead for our industry, and we are very excited about what the future holds,” he stated.

Turning to issues of Right of Way (RoW), Engr. Adebayo stressed that investments can only thrive in enabling environments:

“The digital train is moving very fast. States that create hostile conditions for telecom operations risk being left behind. We will not continue to solicit endlessly for cooperation. Where deployment is unwelcome, investments will move to more supportive neighbouring states, and citizens of unfriendly states will inevitably suffer limited connectivity. We urge all state actors to partner with us so that no one is left behind in this rapid transformation.”

On the issue of multiple taxation, Engr. Adebayo commended the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the Presidential Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform Committee, for its ongoing reforms. Engr. Adebayo described the reforms as a pivotal step toward streamlining Nigeria’s tax system and eliminating the burden of multiple taxation. He highlighted the positive impact on small and medium-sized businesses, noting that the changes will promote entrepreneurship, attract investment, and foster a more business-friendly environment.

“We eagerly await the commencement of the implementation in January 2026. We are confident that the over 56 taxes and levies currently borne by our members across various jurisdictions will soon become a thing of the past.”

Engr. Adebayo concluded by appreciating all industry stakeholders and reaffirming ALTON’s commitment to the Nigeria project:

“The transformation we are witnessing in our sector has not been experienced in recent years. We thank the leadership of the NCC for their commitment, we congratulate and welcome the new Board under the leadership of Mr. Idris Olorunimbe, and we look forward to even greater milestones ahead.

The industry is on the march again, and together, with the support of the public in protecting our critical infrastructure, there is no stopping Nigeria’s telecommunications sector as a driver of national economic stability and growth.”


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