News
Ekeh, Zinox Boss Says He is a Digital Orphan

Leo Stan Ekeh, Africa’s foremost digital entrepreneur, has attributed his numerous pioneering efforts and continued relevance over the past 29 years in the technology sector to God and hard work, while sensationally declaring himself an orphan of sorts in the business world.
Ekeh who delivered an incisive talk to select postgraduate students and aspiring entrepreneurs in Dubai Marina, UAE on the sidelines of a business trip recently shared tips on how to be a success in Africa’s challenging business terrain, with its increasing difficulty to forecast trends.
In his opinion, the best way to bring home to the participants the multi-faceted dimensions of being an entrepreneur in Africa is by using himself as a case study.
“Venturing into entrepreneurship requires a determination to take pains before pleasure. Hence, an aspiring entrepreneur must see himself not only an only child but also a Field Marshall in the Army who will have to face and conquer many creative wars. Although my parents are late, I still have siblings. However, I see myself as an orphan in the digital business world as my success tools remain the dependence and reliance on God and hard work.”
Taking the participants on a trip down memory lane with experiences from his beginnings, Ekeh noted that business success begins from childhood as the decisions one takes in that stage of one’s life go a long way in shaping the future.
“Success in business as an entrepreneur is not down to serendipity or a chance occurrence. It begins from childhood: who you want to be, personal discomforts or sacrifices you are willing to take in order to build a strong foundation for your business destination in the near future. That is why elders could see a child and say this child shall be successful in future.
As a young child growing up, I had taken a decision to abstain from alcohol and cigarettes because as an entrepreneur, you are bound to encounter betrayal from those who should know better and such habits would have derailed me, especially in times of depression. As an entrepreneur, you could easily become a drunk or drug addict if you are not careful. Most successful entrepreneurs are in the real sense loners as this habit gradually builds up based on experiences of betrayal borne over the years.”
While declaring that the 21st century does not require collateral to build wealth, Ekeh identified integrity as the biggest collateral he had relied on in his over 29 years of outstanding achievements. He noted that as a Research and Development entrepreneur, there is no collateral to position other than integrity which was all he had to offer.
“My strategy from childhood as a poor fellow was to cause disruptions hence the decision to venture into technology which allows room for constant innovation. Nevertheless, I have always held fast to integrity as my biggest collateral. This has gone a long way in helping me gain the confidence of various multinational partners we do business with. Added to this is the over 18 hours I put in every day together with my wife which has helped us build the business to its present status. I have discovered the only way I can sustain my dominance in the market place is through constant innovation and this is tied to sleeping less and eating healthy. It is important that in that hunger to be successful, you institute strong auditable system and structure which sustain your business.
In Africa, you have a lot of portfolio billionaires who are also classified as entrepreneurs. These are publicly perceived billionaires created over night by their respective governments based on political connections. Some of these people don’t have offices not to talk of accountants and HR executives. Avoid these people because they end with the government in power. You have been trained and exposed to be better than all present billionaires and the future is better than today because you have less clannish burden waiting for you plus you have age on your side.”
Ekeh, who counseled the participants to exercise caution with trust, while looking out for the gaps in business which could lead to insolvency, also affirms that success comes with various pitfalls including malicious attacks and blackmail from competition and other faceless individuals.
“I have faced numerous blackmails and campaigns of calumny from various quarters, even from people who have no offices and are just out to rubbish my name. This is part of the problems we have in Africa. However, I urge you all to see these as part of the perks of being successful as no one throws stones at an unripe mango. My happiness stems from the fact that despite all these, a few people still appreciate quality and integrity, hence I urge you all to remain on the path of worthy greatness. In all the accolades I have received, two of them remain dear to me: the Icon of Hope award presented to me by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Nigeria’s Independence Day, October 1st 2002 and my selection by the EFCC as Special Personality to cut the 5th Anniversary stamp as a worthy Nigerian. These are some of the things that keep me going,” he enthused.
Ekeh whose Zinox Technologies has deployed some of the biggest ICT projects in the country, charged the participants to leverage on the limitless opportunities on the continent to create and sustain wealth, while advising them on the need to take street-wise decisions such as avoiding excess bank loans and working hard to achieve ownership of their office space and personal residences to avoid competitors taking advantage of these to cause disruption in their lives.
He closed by stating that every entrepreneur has a divine call from God to fulfill on earth in order to make heaven.
According to Ekeh, his own call is to create thousands of creative and futuristic jobs in Africa.
“Though I have not had the greatest support of my government to achieve this, but I assure you, I am almost at the point of realizing this and this would be soon as I have found a most creative platform to achieve it and I assure before I retire soon, I shall support platforms that help me achieve this ambition. It is, therefore, important that in that ultra-ambition to create wealth you realize early what that special call from God is all about and try to fulfil them on earth,” he concluded.
News
BoI, MTN Foundation Launch N1Bn Fund for Women Entrepreneurs

Bank of Industry (BoI) and MTN Nigeria Foundation have launched a N1 billion Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Matching Fund to support women-owned businesses across Nigeria.

The fund was launched at the official unveiling of the BOI–MTN Foundation Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Matching Fund held in Lagos.
Dr Olasupo Olusi, managing director of BoI, said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.
Represented by Oluwatoyin Edu, executive director, MSMEs, Olusi, said the partnership has grown from a N100 million youth programme in 2018 to a N1 billion fund, financed equally by both institutions.
“Today, we are pleased to deepen this collaboration with the launch of the N1 billion Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Matching Fund.
“This programme aligns strongly with BoI’s 2025–2027 strategy for enterprise development and economic transformation,” he said.
Olusi said 1,000 women entrepreneurs would receive structured training, while 200 women-led MSMEs would access loans of up to N5 million each.
The BoI boss added that the programme targets sectors including agro-processing, light manufacturing, fashion, energy, waste management and digital services.
Mrs Mosun Belo-Olusoga, chairman of MTN Nigeria Foundation, said the initiative highlighted women’s critical role in economic development.
According to her, the foundation now treats women’s empowerment as central to nation-building, rather than a corporate social responsibility obligation.
Belo-Olusoga said over 5,700 women had been trained, with the programme designed to bridge economic gaps limiting women’s participation.
“This fund provides equipment financing, enabling women to transition from small-scale operations to industrial-level businesses,” she said.
She stressed the need for greater awareness, especially in rural communities, to ensure inclusiveness.
Mrs Odunayo Sanya, executive director of the foundation, said the initiative combined capacity building with access to capital.
Sanya said beneficiaries would undergo a five-week training programme by Pan-Atlantic University Enterprise Development Centre, ending with business growth plans.
She said the foundation aimed to build 30,000 female-led businesses in five years, with 10,000 expected to receive funding.
“We believe this partnership with BoI opens the door to scaling women-owned businesses through working capital and equipment financing,” she said.
Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of Lagos State governor, described the initiative as timely in tackling unemployment and unlocking women’s economic potential.
Represented by Mrs Oyinlola Agoro, she said equipping women with skills, mentorship and planning tools is vital for resilient enterprises.
Sanwo-Olu commended earlier phases, which trained over 5,700 women and supported 122 beneficiaries with equipment.
“This shows that when women are empowered, families thrive, communities prosper and the economy grows stronger.
“The N1 billion matching fund will deepen financial inclusion and promote women-led enterprises,” she said.
She reaffirmed her commitment to initiatives promoting women’s empowerment, economic independence and inclusive development.
News
NSIA Sign MoU with UK’s Asset Green Ltd to Develop $496M Integrated Dairy Livestock Production Platform in Nigeria

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK‑based Asset Green Ltd to advance the development of a large‑scale integrated dairy livestock production and processing platform set to transform Nigeria’s dairy industry and strengthen national food security.

Signed on Tuesday in London ahead of the State Visit, the MoU outlines the framework for collaboration and the project‑development cost commitments leading up to the formal shareholders’ agreement.
This initiative represents one of the most ambitious integrated dairy investments ever undertaken in Nigeria. It will combine 20,000 hectares of climate‑smart, regenerative crop and forage production with a modern 10,000‑milking cow dairy operation, supported by a state‑of‑the‑art processing plant capable of producing fresh milk, milk powders, butter, cream, and up to 15,000 metric tonnes of infant formula annually.
Designed to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported milk powder, the project will modernise agricultural practices, improve nutrition, and integrate up to 10,000 rural households into the supply chain through inclusive out‑grower schemes. Once operational, the platform is expected to generate over US$620 million annually and create 2,500 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs nationwide.
British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, said: “Over a decade ago, the UK provided pivotal support to Nigeria in establishing the NSIA, offering legal and financial expertise that helped lay the foundation for its successful launch and strengthening its governance and credibility.
“That early institutional investment has paid dividends, helping to build a resilient Nigerian institution capable of creating jobs and driving transformational, long‑term development.
“The NSIA and Asset Green partnership is a powerful example of how that groundwork continues to deliver impact – a full‑circle moment that reflects the long-term economic cooperation between the UK and Nigeria and the shared commitment to deepening sustainable, private‑sector‑driven growth.”
NSIA Managing Director & CEO, Aminu Umar‑Sadiq, said: “NSIA is pleased to partner with Asset Green on this transformative investment. With a project size of almost US$500 million, this is one of the most ambitious initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food and nutrition security in a generation.
“By combining climate‑smart farming, advanced processing capacity, and inclusive out‑grower participation, we are laying the foundation for a modern, competitive dairy sector that reduces import dependence, creates meaningful jobs, and delivers long‑term value for Nigerians.”
Asset Green Ltd Director & Agrium Capital Ltd CEO, Rod Bassett, said: “This partnership between NSIA and Asset Green is the business and investment innovation required to unlock the potential of the agriculture sector in Nigeria, with the development of such a future (dairy) food system.
“The foundation of the approach is one of collaborating with NSIA and their shared vision and purpose to establish a platform to catalyse the development of such a national strategic priority. We are incredibly proud to partner with Nigeria’s premier investment institution.
“The development of greenfield projects have consistently played a major role in our history, establishing industries or nurturing young businesses that are able to deliver catalytic transformation.
This US$500 million greenfield investment in Nigeria’s dairy industry allows for the development of advanced and necessary infrastructure spanning the full production and supply system to enhance local production, reduce the reliance on the huge imports of dairy goods into Nigeria, deliver environmental services and strengthen national food sovereignty and nutritional resilience.”
News
Kaspersky Discovers Infostealers Mimicking Claude Code, OpenClaw and Other AI Developer Tools

In March 2026, Kaspersky Threat Research has identified a new malicious campaign targeted at developers looking for installation instructions for Claude Code, a development agent created by Anthropic. When searching for “Claude Code download”, sponsored advertisements appear at the top of the search results.

One of these ads redirects users to a malicious webpage that closely imitates the official installation documentation for Claude Code. As a result, users are tricked into installing malware which harvests sensitive information including credentials, crypto wallet data, browser sessions, and other confidential files. Similar malicious campaigns mimic other popular AI tools, including OpenClaw.
The fake documentation page is visually identical to the legitimate one and is hosted on the website-building and hosting platform Squarespace. Because the page precisely copies the original instructions, users may not notice the difference when copying and executing installation commands.
However, instead of installing the developer tool, the commands deliver malware to the victim’s system. Depending on the operating system, the malicious commands deploy different infostealers:
. Windows systems receive Amatera, an information-stealing malware that collects data from user directories, web browsers, and cryptocurrency wallets before sending the stolen information to a remote server. Amatera has previously been observed in campaigns using the ClickFix distribution technique and is operated under a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) model.
. macOS systems receive AMOS, another infostealer previously documented in several malware campaigns targeting Apple devices. It has been described by Kaspersky before.
Kaspersky researchers also identified similar malicious campaigns targeting other popular AI tools, including OpenClaw and Doubao. Using the same approach, attackers registered multiple domains and distributed files containing the Amatera infostealer while disguising them as legitimate downloads for these tools.
“The campaign poses significant risks because AI development tools such as Claude Code and OpenClaw are widely used not only by hobbyists and automation enthusiasts but also by professional developers working in large organisations.
If infected, victims may unknowingly expose source code from active projects, confidential corporate data, authentication credentials, and private accounts. This makes such campaigns particularly dangerous for businesses whose developers rely on AI-assisted coding tools,” comments Vladimir Gursky, cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky.
In December 2025, Kaspersky detected that attackers spread a macOS infostealer using Google Ads. A specially generated chat interface designed to resemble a ChatGPT tutorial pretended to guide users through installing the Atlas Browser. The malicious instructions appeared to be hosted on a legitimate site associated with OpenAI, helping attackers gain users’ trust.
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