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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.
The World Bank Group has announced the 31-month debarments of United Aviation Services Limited (UNASEL), a transportation services company based in Nigeria, and Air Vice Marshal Alkali Mamu, its owner and president, “in connection with fraudulent practices under the Enhancing Niger Northeastern Connectivity Project,” according to a press release issued by the multilateral development bank.
The statement said that the project aims to enhance connectivity and road safety along the Zinder-Agadez Road section and improve access to basic socioeconomic infrastructure for selected communities in that road section.
However, according to the statement: “UNASEL and Mr. Mamu presented false experience documents in a prequalification application to qualify for a contract under the project. This was a fraudulent practice under the World Bank’s sanctions framework.”
“The debarments make UNASEL and Mr. Mamu ineligible to participate in projects and operations financed by Bank Group institutions. The debarments are part of two settlement agreements under which UNASEL and Mr. Mamu admit culpability for the underlying sanctionable practices,” it added.
The statement further said: “Per the Bank Group Sanctioning Guidelines, the settlement agreements provide for a reduced period of debarment in light of UNASEL and Mr. Mamu’s cooperation.
As a condition for release from sanction under the terms of the settlement agreements, UNASEL and Mr. Mamu commit to developing and implementing integrity compliance measures that reflect the relevant principles set out in the Bank Group Integrity Compliance Guidelines, and Mr. Mamu further agrees to complete corporate ethics training.
UNASEL and Mr. Mamu also commit to continue to fully cooperate with the Bank Group’s Integrity Vice Presidency.
“The debarments of UNA SEL and Mr. Mamu qualify for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions that was signed on April 9, 2010.”
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, has approved the allocation of a parcel of land in Enugu, the state capital, for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Digital Fabrication Centre by the Industrial Training Fund.
Mbah announced this while receiving a delegation from the Industrial Training Fund on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Enugu.
The ITF disclosed this on Friday in a statement signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor.
According to the statement, Mbah described the proposed project as timely and aligned with his administration’s vision of transforming Enugu into a leading destination for investment, innovation and technology-driven industrial development.
He noted that the future of economic prosperity lies in deliberate investments in human capital and emerging technologies, adding that the state has continued to create an enabling environment for innovation, enterprise and sustainable growth.
The governor explained that his administration has made technical education compulsory in the state’s basic education system, with emphasis on digital literacy, robotics and mechatronics to prepare learners for the future of work.
According to him, many traditional trades are now driven by digital technologies, making it imperative to equip young people with relevant technical competencies that will enable them to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to economic development.
Governor Mbah further disclosed that his administration has built smart schools across the state, equipped with robotics centres, mechatronics laboratories and other modern learning facilities, to prepare youths for the evolving global economy.
He noted that artificial intelligence is expected to contribute about $20tn to the global economy in the coming years.
He therefore stressed that the state must be intentional about upskilling its citizens, adding that the establishment of the ITF Digital Fabrication Centre will significantly strengthen the state’s drive to build a knowledge-based economy, foster innovation, promote local manufacturing and create employment opportunities for its growing youthful population.
Earlier, Afiz Ogun, the Director-General of the ITF, who led the delegation, said that upon his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, he was mandated to upskill Nigerian artisans to international standards.
He explained that the Fund subsequently repositioned its technical and vocational skills development efforts through strategic initiatives, including the Skill-Up Artisans Programme, which is designed to train, certify and license Nigerian artisans to international standards.
Ogun disclosed that the Fund had already established a Digital Fabrication Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, with the capacity to produce more than 400 different products. He therefore requested the allocation of land in Enugu State to establish a similar centre with the same production capacity.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at promoting industrialisation, reducing dependence on imports and preparing Nigerians for opportunities in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He also reaffirmed the Fund’s readiness to enter into public-private partnerships that will transform Nigeria’s artisanal ecosystem.
Ogun further noted that digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics and computer-aided manufacturing, are rapidly transforming the global economy, making it imperative for Nigeria to deliberately invest in upskilling its workforce to remain globally competitive.
The ITF delegation was later conducted on a guided tour of facilities at one of the smart schools established by the Enugu State Government.
Glovo, a multi-category tech company, has announced its integration into the generative AI ecosystem with the launch of its “Shopping Assistant” for ChatGPT and Claude. Users can now discover retail products, compare prices, and seamlessly order any item using natural conversational language with the AI systems.
The Glovo experience inside such platforms introduces a conversational commerce model that shifts from a search-based web to an intent-based web. Rather than navigating traditional app menus and filters, users can express needs, such as asking for a “last-minute gift for a coffee lover under ₦50,000”, and the assistant handles semantic search, location validation, and product curation.
A Seamless, Concierge-Like Experience
Once both platforms have been connected through either ChatGPT or Claude apps, the user will be able to have a multi-turn dialogue where the assistant remembers context and constraints, such as budget caps. Users receive a visual carousel of up to five highly customised product options available at local stores. Each product displays its image, name, store details and ratings, and price. While the search and discovery experience takes place directly on the Generative AI platforms, selecting a product via the “view on Glovo” button takes the user to the Glovo mobile or web app, where the payment and final purchase are exclusively completed.
Strategic Focus on Retail and Growth
Glovo is prioritising the retail and grocery sectors for this initial launch, capturing the established habit of using AI for product research. Generative AI has driven a significant jump in retail traffic globally, so this first-mover advantage aims to meet customers where they are meeting Gen AI daily, and ensure it captures high-intent organic traffic as search behaviours evolve.
“We’re always looking for ways to meet our customers where they already are. Being available on Claude and ChatGPT means people can discover what Glovo has to offer as part of a natural conversation, with no friction. Glovo has always been about being the everyday app that provides choice and convenience, and this is another step in that direction”, said Shiro Theuri, Chief Technology Officer at Glovo.
How to look for products in the Glovo app through ChatGPT or Claude
- The user must sync ChatGPT or Claude with the Glovo app with the plug-in.
- Once synced, the user must type in @glovo followed by their request.
- The AI platform displays a carousel with 5 available options for the user.
- If the user wants to purchase any of the products or continue searching within the Glovo app, they must click “View on Glovo”, which will redirect the user to the Glovo app or website.
- After the order is confirmed, the store will prepare the item(s) and the courier will head up to the pick-up location. The user will receive the order in minutes.
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