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Ekeh, Nigerian Tech Visionary Donates Modern Tech Centres to IMSU, St. Augustine University
Leo Stan Ekeh, who is on Forbes Best of Africa leading Tech Icon and chairman of Zinox Group, Africa’s largest ICT conglomerate, has donated a state-of-the-art training centre to Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri and St. Augustine University Epe, lagos state.
The philanthropist has been on a mission to empower future generations.
Both centres named the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF) Centre, was unveiled on Thursday, April 4, at a grand ceremony held at the respective institutions.
The two events were graced by their respective Vice Chancellors, DVCs, Senate and Council Members and very esteemed academics of the respective institutions.
The LSEF Centre at Imo State University is poised to offer a range of training programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce.
These programs include the Finishing School, Entrepreneurship Boost Training, and specialized courses in Technology and Artificial Intelligence viability.
By equipping students with these essential skills, the centre aims to prepare them for success in their chosen fields and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The LSEF Centre, IMSU shall connect with achieved private sectors leaders across the world who shall with the power of technology deployed at the centre inspire and instigate success revolution in Imo state.
Select students shall have the opportunity to develop well-rounded skillsets that will propel them towards success in their chosen career paths.
Prof. U. U. Chukwumaeze (SAN), Vice Chancellor of IMSU who was full of praises for Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh for executing futuristic knowledge centre.
He also informed the full house how Dr. Ekeh intervenes every time they needed help and even recently, he intervened with large number of computers for the institution to scale Accreditation
Also, Prof. Gloria Ernest Samuel, director of the LSEF Centre, said that Dr. Ekeh paid attention to details in setting up the centre including chatting with her on Saturdays and Sundays.
It was a privilege to experience this tech Entrepreneur.
He adds style to details, and this is why the feel of the centre is right. He will always stress that he was interested in content and not brick and mortar
The St. Augustine University centre, Epe in Lagos is a great display of the power of technology equipped with top of the range of All-in-One Zinox computers, tablets, smart boards etc.
In his vote of thanks at the launch of the centre, Prof Christopher Odetunde, Vice- Chancellor, talked about spirituality of commitment from Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh to lift the younger ones. This was a recent promise kept beyond our expectation and prayed that the country should be filled with persons like Dr. Ekeh.
Dr. Steve Omojiafor, chairman of Board of Trusties of the institution, who recounted Dr. Ekeh quiet style of interventions said he was sure Dr. Ekeh shall remember the institutions one day in his philanthropic ventures and I am very happy he has and prayed God to continue to bless him more.
The most interesting part of commissioning the two centres sameday, within same time was the use of quality Artificial Intelligence deployed at these centres and remotely powered from Zinox Group Head quarters(Yudala Heights) on Idowu Martins street, Victoria Island where Dr. Ekeh was sitting and monitoring happenings at the two campuses and delivered his short speeches.
He was consistent with his statement -that he was determined to build a new generation of Nigerians who shall have the capacity to alter their destinies and defend their wealth.
He also assured both institutions management that he shall turn the centres in two years as completed AI powered centres so that every student before matriculate must spend eights hours at these centres.
Leo Stan Ekeh’s philanthropic gesture underscores his unwavering commitment to advancing education and empowering the youth.
Through the LSEF Centre, he seeks to provide students with access to high-quality training and mentorship, thereby enabling them to unleash their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Leo Stan Ekeh is a true pioneer in the Nigerian and African technology space. He has earned an indelible reputation for his visionary leadership and dedication to advancing the continent’s digital infrastructure. His accomplishments extend far beyond the LSEF centre donation.
Notably, Mr. Ekeh spearheaded the team that delivered the largest single ICT project in Africa, a testament to his unwavering commitment to technological advancement.
As the chairman of Zinox Group, Africa’s largest ICT conglomerate, he has spearheaded numerous groundbreaking initiatives which have revolutionized the continent’s technological landscape.
Mr. Ekeh is a renowned philanthropist and a strong advocate for youth empowerment.
Through the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, he actively supports initiatives that bridge the digital divide and equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.
Speaking about the initiative, Leo Stan Ekeh expressed his profound belief in the power of education to transform lives and drive socio-economic development.
He emphasized the importance of equipping students with relevant skills and competencies to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
“This centre embodies my deep commitment to nurturing the talents of our young people. By equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can empower them to become the architects of a brighter future for Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
Through this philanthropic initiative, Mr. Ekeh hopes to inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
The LSEF Centre serves as a beacon of opportunity, empowering students at Imo State University to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s future.
The establishment of the LSEF Centre marks a significant milestone in Imo State University’s journey towards academic excellence and innovation.
As the university continues to strive for excellence, the LSEF Centre will serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations of students to come.
Omniverse Africa has disclosed that UEL Esports Inc., Unanimous Games and Game Evolution Esports will be premier partners for the Gaming Center at Omniverse 2025.
Charles Emembolu, co-convener of Omniverse Africa
This significant partnership will play a crucial role in delivering an exceptional gaming experience, highlighting Omniverse Africa’s dedication to innovation and excellence within the digital and creative ecosystems.
UEL Esports Inc., renowned for its one of a kind, multi genre gaming league, cutting-edge advancement and visionary contributions, will be integral in shaping the Gaming Center, promising an immersive and dynamic environment for all attendees.
Additionally, Game Evolution will serve as the gaming ecosystem and delivery partner for the center, ensuring top-tier experiences and seamless execution.
In a major highlight of this collaboration, an exhilarating gaming tournament will be featured at the Gaming Center.
This tournament, expected to be a central attraction of Omniverse 2025, will offer participants the chance to compete for a staggering prize pool of up to $1 million.
Nigerian gamers will have the opportunity to vie for these substantial rewards and gain invaluable experiences that could propel their gaming careers to new heights.
Charles Emembolu, co-convener of Omniverse Africa, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with UEL Esports Inc., and Game Evolution towards the Omniverse 2025. This collaboration aligns with our vision to create a transformative and engaging gaming environment. We are excited to witness the innovation and talent that will unfold through this partnership.”
Hannatu Musa-Musawa, minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, stated, “Omniverse Africa has taken a bold step to position Nigeria as a global leader in gaming by launching this major league with partners from Nigeria and USA. The Ministry stands behind this vision, and we look forward to fostering partnerships that will strengthen our creative economy and provide new opportunities for our youth,”
Briant Biggs, CEO of Unanimous Games, USA, added, “This partnership offers an exciting opportunity to inspire and empower gamers globally. Omniverse 2025 is the perfect platform for this mission.”
Titus Walker, CEO of UEL Esports Inc., also stated that’ “Becoming the premier partner for the Gaming Center at Omniverse 2025 is a remarkable opportunity for UEL Esports Inc. We look forward to showcasing our latest innovations and contributing to an exceptional event that will set new standards in the global gaming industry.”
Kunmi Adebimpe, founder of Game Evolution Esports, commented: “As the gaming ecosystem and delivery partner for the Omniverse Africa Gaming Center, Game Evolution is committed to bringing unparalleled experiences to the forefront. We are excited to collaborate with Omniverse Africa, UEL Esports Inc. and Unanimous Games to elevate the gaming experience and provide a platform for gamers to shine, globally.”
Omniverse Africa, Africa’s premium platform for integrating digital and creative ecosystems across the continent, will host its annual summit in Lagos, Nigeria, in February.
The synergy between UEL Esports Inc., Omniverse Africa, Unanimous Games and Game Evolution promises to make Omniverse 2025 an extraordinary event, celebrating talent and innovation in the gaming world.
Stay tuned for more updates on the tournament and how to participate, collaborate, compete or partner. The Omniverse Africa Summit 2025 promises a thrilling experience for gamers and enthusiasts alike.
FBN Holdings Plc has announced the sale of its 100 per cent equity stake in FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited to EverQuest Acquisition LLP.
A statement filed with the Nigeria Exchange Limited by the Acting Company Secretary for FBN Holdings, Adeware Arogundade on Friday stated that the move comes after a competitive bidding process, with EverQuest Acquisition LLP a consortium comprising Custodian Investments Plc, Aion Investments, and Evercorp Industries emerging as the preferred bidder.
FBNQuest is the unified brand identity for the merchant banking and asset management businesses of FBN Holdings.
EverQuest Acquisition LLP is a consortium of three companies, including Custodian Investments PLC, Aion Investments Limited, and Evercorp Industries, founded in June 2024.
“By the Nigerian Exchange Limited Rulebook, we at this moment notify the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public that FBN Holdings Plc has entered into a Share Sale and Purchase Agreement to divest its 100 per cent equity stake in its wholly owned subsidiary, FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited. This sale aligns with the company’s strategy to optimise its portfolio within the group.
“Following a competitive bid process, EverQuest Acquisition LLP (comprising Custodian Investments PLC, Aion Investments and Evercorp Industries) was selected as the preferred bidder. The completion of the sale is subject to approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities,” the holding firm added.
The company disclosed the development through a share sale and purchase agreement, highlighting that the transaction was subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities.
FBN Holdings emphasised that the divestment aligned with its broader strategy to streamline its portfolio for enhanced growth and focus across the group.
FBNQuest Merchant Bank’s gross earnings for 2023 rose by 43.1 per cent year-on-year to N35.5bn.
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office successfully thwarted an attempt by Bimbo Toyin Akinyemi, a Nigerian national, to defraud a Kansas resident of cryptocurrency.
This was revealed in a statement titled, “State of Kansas, U.S., Thwarts Attempt by Nigerian Crypto Scammer to Defraud Resident, Attracting Over $50,000 in Civil Penalties.”
BitKE, known for reporting on Bitcoin, crypto, and blockchain activity in Africa, disclosed the news on Monday via its X handle #BitcoinKE.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Akinyemi promised the victim a large return for investing in cryptocurrency. Court documents show that Akinyemi entered into a contract with the unnamed victim on 15 July 2023, where the victim was to purchase Bitcoin and deposit it into Akinyemi’s ‘investment wallet address,’ with an expected return of $500 to $1,240.
Akinyemi exploited the victim’s lack of understanding of cryptocurrencies, misleading them by concealing the traceability of fund transfers and falsely claiming that depositing funds into a digital wallet would ‘activate’ it as an investment account. After receiving the deposits, Akinyemi transferred the funds to his own account.
A fraudulent $1,000 cheque was then sent to the victim, which was never cashed. The Kansas Attorney General’s Office stated that the victim is entitled to a refund of their $250 investment, and Akinyemi is responsible for $50,000 in civil penalties for five violations, $4,000 in investigation fees and expenses, and all court costs.
The Charities and Financial Scams Unit of the Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit against Akinyemi under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.
Authorities seized Akinyemi’s wallet, which reportedly contained half of a Bitcoin valued at over $28,900, as well as other digital currency worth more than $4,000.
A local judge issued a default judgment against Akinyemi after they failed to respond to the summons and petitions sent to their email address. In addition to the financial penalties, Akinyemi has been prohibited from engaging in consumer transactions within the state.
“Cryptocurrency is a borderless asset that allows international scammers to target and defraud Kansans from the comfort of a keyboard,” said First Assistant Attorney General Nathanial Castillo.
“Scammers realise they have a better chance of getting away with fraud if they convince victims to send cryptocurrency. Kansans should always thoroughly scrutinise anyone they meet online before sending payment in cryptocurrency.”
The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and the FBI were also part of the investigations.
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