News
Forbes Honors Leo Stan, Zinox Boss As Africa’s Leading Tech Icon

Leo Stan Ekeh, Serial digital entrepreneur and Chairman, Zinox Group, has been honoured with the highly coveted Forbes Best of Africa Leading Tech Icon Award.

Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman, Zinox Group
Ekeh was conferred with the prestigious award on Friday, August 6, 2021.
The well-deserved accolade marks the latest in a long list of credible local and international awards and recognitions received by Ekeh for his over three decades of leadership and pioneering entrepreneurship in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) space in Africa, as well as his many enduring philanthropic and humanitarian legacies.
The Zinox boss was singled out for founding the most integrated ICT group in Africa with influence in four continents.
He was also honoured for pioneering e-Commerce, Desktop Publishing and Computer Graphics, Wireless Cloud and WiMAX, the first locally assembled and internationally certified computer brand – Zinox, digital dispensing pumps for fuel and gas stations as well as the biometric revolution for elections, among others in Africa.
LeoStan Ekeh, who has earned over 6o international and local awards over many years of incisive entrepreneurship, was equally singled out and honoured by President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary on October 1st, 2001 with an ICON OF HOPE award as a pride to modern Nigeria and as a model for Nigerian youths.
Again, President Obasanjo honoured him with another national award – the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2003.
A Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society, the umbrella body of all computer associations in Nigeria, he was also awarded the pioneer ICT Personality of the Year by this professional body.
In November 2019, Ekeh was honoured by President Muhammadu Buhari with the National Productivity Order of Merit award for his sustained leadership in the area of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). With over four Doctorate Degrees (Honorary) and fifteen fellowships from recognized institutions and as a former global advisor to Microsoft, the leadership of Forbes praised his outstanding entrepreneurship.
In his acceptance speech, Ekeh expressed gratitude to Forbes and the Foreign Investment Network (FIN) for the recognition. Also, he reaffirmed his often-stated interest in technology as a game-changer, while also expressing his passion for humanity which he revealed is driven by access to education and quality health.
Further, he appreciated Nigerians and her leadership and Africans by extension for trusting him and his colleagues’ ingenuity across his technology group.
Ekeh said: ‘‘The 21st Century is one in which the impact of technology in the affairs of nations and in the lives of individuals cannot be wished away.
“Indeed, the world is currently a technology-mediated global village, with technology remaining, as I have often stated in some of my public talks, arguably the only profession in the world today that can transform an indigent child or youth into the richest person in the world.
‘‘With the Zinox Group, which includes over eight successful entities across verticals in the technology space, we have been able to bring to reality the power of technology in transforming lives, ushering many into the digital ecosystem and solving complex problems.
‘‘I must also not fail to mention the Konga Group, an e-Commerce platform which was acquired by Zinox in 2018 and which today, has grown into the leading player on the African continent.
“Through these companies, we have provided meaningful direct employment opportunities for over 5000 people and over 250,000 indirect employment opportunities for individuals, merchants and other beneficiaries.
‘‘If I had not made the decision to return to my first love – technology – after my educational sojourn abroad, I doubt I would have been able to contribute my little quota in reshaping the lives of thousands of African youths as we have done today,’’ he enthused.
The Forbes Best of Africa Awards 2021 aims to recognize and reward change-makers, individuals and organizations that have made remarkable difference on the African continent, improving the lives of millions across the region in the areas of entrepreneurship, technology, leadership, vision and influence despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion was the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and the King of Lesotho Kingdom, His Majesty Letsie III David Mohato Seeiso, among others.
Other awardees include renowned cleric and Metropolitan Senior Pastor of House on the Rock, Pastor Paul Adefarasin; Founder and Executive Chairman of Online Integrated Solutions Ltd (OIS), Mahmood Ahmadu; Ghanaian industrialist and philanthropist, Nana Kwame Bediako; South African businesswoman and philanthropist, Wendy Ackerman; Lesotho’s leading business magnate, Sam Matekane; Zimbabwean businessman, Ken Sharpe; Rwandan Minister of Infrastructure, Clever Gatete; Zambian-based business magnate, Dr. Rajan Mahtani and Group Chairman, FIN, Mrs. Olayinka Fayomi.
News
IFC Invests in Lagos Free Zone to Support Industrial Growth and Economic Diversification

IFC has announced an equity investment of up to $50 million in Lagos Free Zone Company to support the development and expansion of Nigeria’s first deep-sea port-based, private special economic zone, the Lagos Free Zone.
This investment is designed to address critical infrastructure gaps, attract local and global businesses, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
The funds will support the first phase of the 860-hectare Lagos Free Zone, focusing on land development, industrial facilities, and logistics infrastructure.
Owned by Singapore based Tolaram,a diversified multinational group with operations across Africa, Asia, and Europe, Lagos Free Zone strategically integrated with the Lekki Deep Sea Port and will provide an integrated industrial ecosystem for efficient import and export operations, serving as a gateway for Nigeria’s integration into global value chains.
With Nigeria’s economy projected to grow by 3.7% by 2026, investments in infrastructure are vital to ensuring sustainable growth. When fully occupied, Lagos Free Zone is expected to create approximately 30,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, while contributing significantly to Nigeria’s GDP upon completion.
“This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria. Lagos Free Zone is poised to become a transformative hub for industrial activity, driving job creation and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets.
“We are proud to partner with Lagos Free Zone in building the infrastructure necessary to attract global and local businesses, enabling Nigeria to achieve its full economic potential.” said, Dahlia Khalifa, IFC Regional Director, Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa.
The investment in Lagos Free Zone also reflects IFC’s commitment to sustainable development, with a focus on green infrastructure. Approximately 15% of the investment is earmarked for climate-related initiatives, including Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE)-certified buildings and climate-resilient infrastructure.
“IFC’s support represents a significant and positive recognition of our vision to establish Lagos Free Zone as a world-class industrial hub. This investment allows us to scale up the existing infrastructure to attract more foreign and local tenants while promoting sustainability and creating economic opportunities for Nigeria.
“Lagos Free Zone, integrated with Lekki Deep Sea Port, facilitates ease of doing business in Nigeria and supports the Federal Government of Nigeria’s drive for economic diversification and infrastructure development.
“We look forward to driving growth and delivering lasting impact through this transformative collaboration with the IFC”. Added, Adesuwa Ladoja, MD/CEO at Lagos Free Zone Company
Lagos Free Zone is already home to several manufacturing brands like Kellogg’s, Dano Milk, Colgate, BASF, ADM, and Tata International.
This investment aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and IFC’s strategic frameworks, including the World Bank Group’s Nigeria Country Partnership Framework (2021–2025) and its 2015 Climate Action Plan, both of which prioritize economic diversification, the development of competitive clusters, and investments in climate-resilient infrastructure.
By addressing infrastructure bottlenecks and enhancing connectivity, IFC’s investment in Lagos Free Zone will unlock new opportunities for businesses and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional economic leader.
News
NOTAP to Relaunch Fruit Juice Production Initiative

National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) is set to revive the technology transfer project on fruit juice production.
This initiative, originally launched in collaboration with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), is based in Paiko, Niger State, North Central Nigeria.
During a courtesy visit to the RMRDC headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, director general, NOTAP hinted at this development while leading the office’s management team.
According to a statement provided to journalists by Solomon Nshem, deputy director, Public Relations, NOTAP, the fruit juice project, which began in 2019 with a pilot plant, has enormous economic potential for the country, particularly when domesticated in the six geopolitical zones of the country, and as such, needs to be revived immediately.
According to Dr. Amadiobi, the project will succeed and align with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to create wealth, jobs, and self-reliance for the country by combining the technological expertise of both organisations.
In accordance with Presidential Executive Order No. 5, the Director General also urged cooperation with the RMRDC on a number of its flagship initiatives, including the NOTAP Research Laboratory Upgrade Project, Intellectual Property Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTOs), the NOTAP Industry Technology Transfer Fellowship (NITTF), and the Database of Nigerian Professionals.
Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, director general, RMRDC, responded that he is impressed with the project’s concept but that an audit of the pilot plant’s status and a determination of the business operation requirements are necessary.
According to him, the council can also work with NOTAP to upgrade its labs, train RMRDC employees on intellectual property rights, and conduct research and development commercialisation drives with universities.
During the conference, it was decided that in order to ensure the project’s success and cooperation, both agencies’ employees must visit the Paiko site on-site for evaluation and other follow-up meetings
The partnership between NOTAP and RMRDC is anticipated to improve intellectual property creation, R&D commercialisation, technology transfer, and industry connections for research in order to accelerate the country’s technological progress.
News
Senate Expresses Shock over Billions of Naira missing from FG Coffers

Senate has raised the alarm that billions of naira have left the federal government’s coffers unaccounted for, with critical revenue-generating agencies refusing to honour its Summons.
The Senate has however expressed anger as these revenue-generating agencies undermine its summon to answer queries raised by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAGF) about financial transactions.
Addressing Journalists yesterday in Abuja, Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, SDP, Nasarawa West, Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, explained that the unaccounted funds form part of the resources required for development, stressing that affected agencies needed to account in line with legislative provisions that empower the parliament to investigate them.
According to Wadada, the Auditor General’s report which was submitted to the Committee has unravelled rots in some agencies of government, that it takes only irresponsible parliament not to conduct public investigations, even as he was appalled at how these agencies conspire together and have taken the decision not to honour Senate Committees’ invitations.
The Chairman, Public Accounts Committee has named the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL as among the top government organisations that have vehemently refused to honour the Senate when invited.
Wadada has however threatened that the Senate would report heads of these agencies to President Bola Ahmed after another magnanimous opportunity.
Flanked at the briefing by all members of the Committee, Wadada said: “All efforts to get Nigerian Customs Service to the table to know how did this happen, what is the way forward. We are still where we were from the day before yesterday to now.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria, I have a course on one of the issues that I’ve got to do with Central Bank of Nigeria, I have a course to take it on the floor of the Senate.
“It is important for Nigerians to know, under the so-called Ways and Means. What happened under Ways and Means why Central Bank of Nigeria, debited borrower and credited borrower.
“Consolidated revenue funds account is government’s account. And the TSA is also the government’s account. And in charging the interest, instead of the interest to be charged to the treasury account, they went again ahead to charge the Treasury account.
“They went again ahead to Treasury account. charge Consolidated Revenue Funds account which now have amounted to over 6 trillion.”
According to him, there was correspondences between the Committee and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Debt Management Office, DMO because of the faulty documents which they were not ready to answer to and have been evasive, adding that the report of the Auditor General for the Federation which the affected agencies are running away from covers 2019 till date.
The chairman of the Committee disclosed that Nigeria Satellite Communications Limited had been invited nine times, but failed to appear, Nigeria Police Force; Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, among others as snubbing Senate’s invitation.
- E-Business3 days ago
IBM Exits Nigeria and Ghana, Transfers Operations to MIBB
- E-Business3 days ago
Firm Discovers New Crypto-stealing Trojan in AppStore, Google Play
- E-Business3 days ago
UK Criminalises AI-Generated Child Abuse Images
- Telecom3 days ago
Reps Begin Probe of Telcos Over Illegal NIN-SIM Linkage
- News2 days ago
NOTAP to Relaunch Fruit Juice Production Initiative
- E-Financial2 days ago
FG Seeks Fresh $580m Loan from World Bank
- Telecom3 days ago
Zoho Corporation Expands AI Capabilities with New Zia Agents and Studio
- E-Financial3 days ago
NAICOM, World Bank Explore Opportunities for Collaboration