General News
IATA Advocates Deeper Industry, Governments partnership on Smarter Regulation
The International Air Transport Industry (IATA) advocated for an even deeper partnership with governments based on global standards in the critical areas of safety, infrastructure, security, regulation, and environment.
“Aviation is built on partnerships and the relationship with governments is key. Airlines and governments are well-aligned on safety. But in other areas of government responsibility—infrastructure, security, regulation, and environment—there are opportunities for a deeper partnership,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
The call came in Tyler’s Report on the Air Transport Industry to the 71st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit, which is being held in Miami.
This year some 3.5 billion people and 55 million tonnes of cargo will travel safety by air over a global network of 51,000 routes.
Airlines directly employ 2.5 million people and support another 56 million jobs in the industry’s value chain. Its role as a catalyst of economic growth is evident as some $6 trillion of goods find their way to global markets via air transport.
“For nations, connectivity is much more than a competitive advantage. It is an economic necessity. And aviation’s intangible benefits make it a force for good in the world. So there is a tremendous common interest with governments to support safe, efficient, and sustainable global connectivity that only air transport can provide,” said Tyler.
Safety: It is a tragic paradox that in 2014 aviation recorded its safest year ever (with one jet hull loss for every 4.4 million flights) yet it remained constantly in recent world headlines over safety issues.
Working with governments through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), significant progress was made with issues raised as a result of the MH 370 and MH 17 tragedies.
A 15-minute position reporting standard is being developed and governments are working together to share security information more effectively.
“We will not be satisfied until the outrage of MH 17 is fully addressed in a global convention to control the design, manufacture, sale and deployment of weapons with anti-aircraft capability,” said Tyler.
The findings of the full investigation on the Germanwings 9525 tragedy will see “regulators and industry looking at the balance needed to monitor the mental health of crew in an environment aligned with the non-punitive Just Culture that drives safety forward,” said Tyler.
Tyler warned against a rush to judgment or regulation in the immediate aftermath of accidents, even in an age where news is unbridled and ubiquitous. “We must not allow anything to undermine the well-established accident investigation standards and processes, which lead to findings that improve safety,” said Tyler.
Infrastructure: Aviation can only deliver its significant social and economic benefits if it has adequate, cost-efficient infrastructure capacity to meet growing demand.
“We seek to work in partnership with governments based on the global principles that they have agreed through ICAO. Transparency and consultation will ensure that what is built matches business needs at a price that is affordable and mutually beneficial,” said Tyler.
Tyler noted several critical infrastructure challenges where more alignment is needed, including finding a solution to expand airport capacity in the Southeast of the UK, addressing the high cost of fuel in Brazil and Africa, keeping costs at Hong Kong International Airport competitive as it funds construction of a third runway, and improving efficiency in Chinese air traffic management.
Tyler expressed the industry’s longstanding frustration at the slow pace of progress on the Single European Sky (SES). “The initiative languishes. States are paralyzed by self-interested national organizations, which show no regard for the impact of their inefficiency on economies or consumers,” said Tyler.
Tyler noted industry support for initiatives to reform the funding of the air traffic management organization in the United States. “There is finally a growing recognition that funding such an essential service as air navigation should not be held hostage to a game of political brinkmanship in the setting of the national budget. The discussion about the corporatization of air traffic management is a welcome development,” Tyler added.
Security and Facilitation: The aviation industry and governments are partners in aviation security. “We have a common interest in keeping our passengers, crew, and cargo secure with efficient and respectful processes built around global standards. While there has been tremendous progress over the last few years, our customers still see security and border controls as big pain points in their journeys,” said Tyler.
“We must join forces to encourage governments to align on a risk-based approach, adopt global best practices, recognize equivalent measures by other governments, stop wasteful and paper-based processes, and make full use of available technology,” said IATA DG.
Three key areas were identified for urgent action by governments:
Known traveler programs: Linking these programs across borders;
Advance Passenger Information: Harmonizing requirements around ICAO standards and aligning processes to eliminate redundant paper documentation and reduce queuing times and
Cargo security: Driving efficiency through harmonized processes facilitated by global standards created through cooperation between IATA, ICAO and the World Customs Organization
Regulation: IATA advocates for Smarter Regulation aligned with global standards. “Our message is that regulation needs to be Smarter. To start, the benefits of any regulation must outweigh its costs. It should be consistent with global standards, proportional, well-targeted, fair, and clear about what is expected. These common sense principles are best achieved through a process of rigorous consultation that includes a focus on keeping the compliance burden to a minimum,” said Tyler.
Tyler noted four priority areas where progress is critical:
Ratification of the Montreal Convention 1999 (MC99): Some 112 countries have signed MC99, which establishes a globally harmonized liability regime and is a pre-requisite for countries to accept electronic documentation critical for the modernization of cargo processes (e-freight).
Thailand, Indonesia, and Russia are among the key countries that IATA is urging to ratify the convention;
Consumer Protection: “Governments appear to be losing faith in a basic principle of commerce—that businesses become successful by pleasing customers. Many regulators are adopting passenger rights regimes—some of which come close to dictating product design and marketing.
Worse, there is no international coordination. When things go wrong, passenger need clarity, not confusion,” said Tyler. IATA urges governments to align consumer protection initiatives with principles being developed through ICAO.
New Distribution Capability (NDC): In light of imminent innovation in the distribution of air travel products as a result of the US Department of Transportation (DOT) approval of the NDC foundational standard, Tyler called on the DOT to abandon provisions in its Consumer Rule Three that would force airlines to display some ancillary products through third party distribution channels not necessarily of an airline’s choosing. “It would be a step backwards when we are set for a giant leap forwards on transparency,” said Tyler.
And, Tyler urged governments and industry to stay focused on global solutions to manage aviation’s carbon footprint in the run-up to the ICAO Assembly next year.
“We’ve always understood that our common interests and those of the environment are best served by a united industry position and a global approach. We are at the forefront of industries addressing climate change with clear targets to improve fuel efficiency by 1.5% annually to 2020, to cap net emissions with carbon-neutral growth from 2020, and to cut net emissions in half by 2050 compared with 2005,” said Tyler.
These goals are being pursued with a four-pillar strategy based on improved technology, more efficient operations, better infrastructure, and an effective, global market-based measure.
Two priorities were identified:
Sustainable Aviation Biofuels: Airlines are making significant investments. However, supply is limited and prices are not economical. “Progress on biofuels is being held back because governments have not adopted a policy framework to incentivize production. That’s needed for prices to fall to commercially viable levels,” he said.
Market-based Measure: The airline industry is calling on governments to agree on a global mandatory carbon offset scheme that would help manage aviation’s carbon footprint in line with Smarter Regulation principles.
“There is considerable interest from governments in the mandatory carbon offset approach. It would be the easiest type of scheme to implement. It could be administered on a cost-effective basis. And it has the scope to allow for the different political interests at play to be taken into consideration,” said Tyler.
In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priority areas of economic reform, digital innovation, and improved governance, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated its commitment to supporting sub-national governments in building integrated, data-driven systems that enhance service delivery and drive sustainable growth.
This commitment was reinforced at the Future Enterprise & Data Architecture of Abia State workshop themed “One Citizen, One Identity: Unlocking Data-Driven Governance.” The high-level engagement brought together policymakers, technocrats, and development partners to chart a pathway toward a unified digital public sector anchored on interoperability and citizen-centric governance.
The workshop, organised by the state’s Ministry of Budget and Planning and declared open by Governor Alex Otti, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, focused on strengthening interoperability among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance revenue generation and improve service delivery across the state.
Speaking during a panel session titled “Breaking Silos, Building One Government,” the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, who was represented by the Agency’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnership, Dr Aristotle Onumo, emphasised that collaboration remains the cornerstone of successful digital transformation.
“One thing that is very clear is partnership and collaboration. If you want to take advantage of collective intelligence, then partnership is the key. If you want to succeed in building a unified government system, collaboration is the way to go,” he stated.
He stressed that digital transformation is not merely about deploying technology but about transforming people and culture. According to him, resistance to change and entrenched institutional silos can undermine even the most sophisticated technological frameworks if mindset shifts are not prioritised.
“Digital transformation is as much about people as it is about process and technology. If culture resists change, it can undermine strategy at every level. We must move from control to collaboration, and from isolation to integration,” he added.
Highlighting NITDA’s strategic direction, the DG noted that the Agency’s action plan prioritises digital literacy as a foundational pillar for national development. He disclosed that NITDA is targeting 70 per cent digital literacy nationwide through structured interventions, including training 30 million Nigerians across formal and informal sectors using digital learning platforms deployed through community and institutional partnerships.
He further revealed that digital education is being integrated into school curricula at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, while civil servants across the federal public service are undergoing digital capacity development programmes to enhance institutional efficiency and readiness for interoperable governance systems.
On interoperability, Inuwa described it as “not optional but a necessity” for achieving data integrity, efficiency, and innovation in governance. He explained that NITDA is developing a national interoperability framework and advancing Enterprise Architecture (EA) initiatives across government institutions to ensure seamless data exchange.
“When we talk about interoperability, we mean that data generated in one agency should be accessible and usable by another in a consistent and secure format, without contradiction or confusion. That is how you build one government, not multiple disconnected systems,” he explained.
He added that a robust interoperability framework would not only improve internal government efficiency but also create a platform for innovation, enabling startups and young innovators to build solutions on structured public datasets.
While commending the state’s leadership for its vision and commission, he said, “If we achieve even 80 per cent of what has been presented here, Abia will not only lead among states, but it will also become a national reference point for digital innovation.”
The workshop concluded with a renewed call for stronger federal–state collaboration, policy alignment, and sustained investment in digital capacity to ensure that the vision of “One Citizen, One Identity” translates into tangible socio-economic impact.
General News
Zinox Technologies and TD Africa Forge Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize African Tech Ecosystem
In a landmark development set to reshape Africa’s technology landscape, Zinox Technologies, the continent’s leading manufacturer of trusted technology solutions, and TD Africa, Africa’s largest technology and lifestyle distribution powerhouse, formalized a strategic partnership on Friday at an exclusive press conference attended by industry journalists, key stakeholders, and partners from both organizations.
Zinox Technologies and TD Africa
The event, held to officially announce the collaboration and address stakeholder concerns, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of indigenous African technology, signalling a new era of continental self-reliance and technological excellence.
The partnership brings together two industry titans whose complementary strengths promise to deliver unprecedented value to the African market.
Zinox Technologies has established itself as Sub-Saharan Africa’s premier indigenous technology manufacturer, producing internationally certified devices that rival global brands while addressing Africa’s unique technological needs.
TD Africa, with its extensive distribution network spanning 43 nations in the continent and expanding, has become the preferred gateway for leading global technology brands including HP, Microsoft, Dell, and Cisco.
This alliance represents more than a business transaction; it harmonizes Zinox’s precision-engineered hardware with TD’s formidable distribution infrastructure to bridge the digital divide, deliver rugged, energy-efficient innovation to the very heart of Africa’s schools, industries, and homes.
Speaking at the event, Chioma Chimere, Coordinating Managing Director of TD Africa, articulated the strategic rationale behind the partnership with evident conviction. “Today represents a moment where Africa meets Africa,” she declared, emphasizing Zinox’s distinction as an indigenous brand that truly understands and produces to meet the unique needs of the continent.
Chimere highlighted Zinox’s comprehensive product range and their remarkable efficiency, noting that the company’s Made-for-Nigeria approach addresses challenges that foreign manufacturers often overlook.
“We are proud to partner with a brand that doesn’t just import solutions but engineers them specifically for our reality,” she added, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders for participating in this historic collaboration.
The event’s opening address set the tone for what promises to be a transformative partnership. The gathering provided partners and the public with comprehensive insights into how this alliance will enhance market access, product availability, and technological solutions across the continent.
Chioma Nwoke, Executive Director, Human Resources Head at Zinox Technologies, offered a compelling vision of the partnership’s broader implications for African technological sovereignty.
She articulated Zinox’s founding vision, to create dependable standards of technology, and traced the company’s evolution from its inception to its current position as a leader in indigenous manufacturing.
“This partnership sends a powerful signal to the market that African technology can compete, innovate, and lead,” Nwoke emphasized.
She stressed that this collaboration transcends mere commercial transactions, encompassing digital education, enterprise development, and nation-building through technology.
“Zinox will continue manufacturing global-standard products, and Africa will be sustained by partnerships like this that demonstrate our capability and commitment to technological independence,” she affirmed.
Moses Edoh, Head of Research and Development at Zinox Technologies, provided technical insights into the company’s diverse product portfolio and the philosophy driving their design approach.
He explained how Zinox, iTEC, and iPower brands compete successfully with foreign manufacturers by creating products tailored to specific customer needs.
“We were the first to produce and introduce hybrid inverters in Nigeria,” Edoh noted, “and every product in our lineup is designed to address the unique challenges Nigerians face daily.”
The Zinox product ecosystem showcases remarkable breadth and innovation. Their technology lineup features cutting-edge All-in-One Smart Boards, PCs with various specifications, tablets, desktops, monitors, and Point-of-Sale systems.
The iPower renewable energy division offers an impressive array of solutions including the Megaforce 125W, GridPro 50KW, Bijimi 30KW, Premium 11KW, Infiniti, Plus, iPower X, iPower Ascend All-in-One, Ascend, Matrix All-in-One, 3KG MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 665 Watts Bifacial Topcon Panel, various monocrystalline panels ranging from 320-550 Watts, multiple battery technologies (lithium, tubular, gel), solar street lights, and portable power banks.
The iTEC brand delivers power generating sets with 100% copper winding, while their consumer electronics range includes AI QLED Smart TVs from 33″ to 95″, microwave ovens, and rechargeable fans.
The testimonials from existing partners underscored the quality and durability of Zinox products. Engineer Anthony Anigbogu, Chief Executive Officer of Orbit Business shared his remarkable experience with an iPower hybrid inverter that served him faithfully for twelve years, only requiring replacement when he needed higher capacity. Such testimonials validate Zinox’s commitment to manufacturing products built for longevity.
Partners called for increased awareness campaigns, noting that many Nigerians continue relying on foreign brands despite having access to Nigerian-made solutions tailored to their unique needs. They pledged to actively promote these indigenous products within their networks.
With TD Africa’s expansive distribution network now channelling Zinox’s comprehensive product range, customers across the continent gain expanded access to world-class, Africa-optimized technology solutions.
Partners of both organizations stand to benefit enormously from this synergy, gaining access to innovative offerings including JOI (Just Own It) for individual consumers, TaaS (Technology as a Service) for corporate clients, and PaS (Product as a Service), among other solutions designed to make technology more accessible and affordable.
For organizations and individuals interested in exploring partnership opportunities or learning more about these innovative solutions, you can send an email to [email protected], with comprehensive information also available on their website.
This partnership represents not just a business alliance but a declaration of African technological capability, a testament that the continent can manufacture, distribute, and sustain world-class technology solutions designed by Africans, for Africans.
One a quiet Wednesday, February 22, 1956, in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli, Imo State, the family of Chief and Lolo Ebenezer Ekeh leaped for joy at the birth of Leonard Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh- their second son.
Leonard Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh
His birth was both cosmic, and disruptive as his journey down this 70 years on earth has proven.
Leonard Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh, popularly know as Leo Stan Ekeh or LSE is human by birth but profound, rare and has higher consciousness.
Imbued with deep intuition, intense creativity, and compassionate nature, Leo Stan possesses critical thinking ability.
He has relentless drive to succeed across multiple facets of life. This is a self-made construct driven by his deep spiritual and purposeful living, rather than just mere survival.
Despite the recurring and abrupt reversal of government policies, which leave companies including his hemorrhaging, Leo Stan has remained committed and actively participate in the development and nation-building of Nigeria.
Am one of the lucky people to have known him up close and personal for nearly 30 years.
He has endured lots of back biting and campaigns of calumny from competitors and even betrayals from least expected people.
But his tenacity makes him stand firm on his beliefs regardless of feelings, or circumstances.
He has stumbled in businesses, failed in some ventures; but he always get right up. At one point, he nearly lost his head selling international commodities.
LSE takes every loss with equanimity as a dogged fighter.
A serial entrepreneur and with eyes for great minds, Leo Stan does not just walk through life; he leaves a trail of light, lifting everyone around him with kindness and wisdom. And there are testimonials.
For me, he is a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope. My benefactor.
He is also a benefactor to many. He has a way of making associates feel vital, loved, and valued.
Today is his Platinum Birthday but his roads have not always been paved with gold.
His early life was as ordinary as it can be, LSE attended Holy Ghost College, Owerri for his secondary education.
During his early years, he wanted to own the biggest transport company in Nigeria.
He later went to India for his university education, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Punjab University.
Leo Stan believes that studying in India was a great turning point in his life because he found the economy of India a realistic economy”.
He later also earned an MSc in Risk Management from the University of Nottingham.
At 70, he attained his height by trust in God, determination and CAN DO attitude.
Today, his business opinions and advisory are welcome around the world.
Leo Stan once told me “I saw myself from the beginning even when my parents were alive as an orphan. It drives me.”
He has three brothers and two sisters, His mother was a dietitian, and his father was a nurse
“I come from a lineage of people who served God dedicatedly. I am a miracle child and I remember my mother had always predicted that I would be great. I have siblings but I live my life as if I am the only child of my parents” he said
He believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world.
His solid prints in the business world is well documented. He has his hands in his hands in several businesses including ICT, e-commerce, broadcasting, oil and gas, media publishing and real estate.
Leo Stan is a man of many firsts: he pioneered a new world of digital economy at a time the country was deeply analogue both in the workplace and in schools.
The Nigerian media industry, from advertising to newspapers, owes him much gratitude for changing their operational processes and methodologies from mundane, medieval analogue to the robust and elegant digital platform.
Within 30 years, he has transformed a start-up that sprouted from a make-shift apartment that also doubled as his home into a digital conglomerate with incursions into oil and gas, entertainment and property.
Leo Stan started Zinox Technologies Limited in 2001 to manufacture computers.
He ensured that at launch Zinox Computers already had the WHQL certification, the first in sub-Saharan Africa, consolidated 5 years later with the attainment of the NIS ISO 2000: 9001 QMS Certification.
In October 2013, the company announced the production of its computer tablet line named Zipad
Task Systems, Technology Distributions Limited, Konga (Africa’s foremost truly composite e-commerce outpost combining offline-online mix in service delivery), Konga Radio, and TD Mobile, to name a few, complete the ensemble of businesses in his thriving conglomerate.
In all his companies, there is a growth pathway for every employee.
He deliberately creates a system that rewards every hardworking and dedicated employee.
From drivers sponsored to universities and returning to the conglomerate as degree holders to persons who joined the organisation as janitors working their way up the corporate ladder, he has brought his humanity to bear on people around him.
Making some lowly staff home-owners and sponsoring indigent students to universities at home and abroad comes to him as a routine.
Just a few days ago, ahead of his 70th birthday, he offered University scholarships to additional 1,000 Nigerian indigent wizkids to study Computer Science in Federal Universities. He is committing about N10 billion to the scholarship scheme.
This is so the country’s private and public sectors have a new generation of tech wizkids to support the economy’s growth.
Recall that his group has trained and retrained over 3000 Nigerians and donated tech centres to over 25 institutions nationwide just to mention a few.
The former alter boy and chorister in his local community Catholic Church at Ubomiri, now a multi-billionaire, has stayed humble.
He draws a distinct line between capitalism and welfarism.
Leo Stan is great man, a leader with unparalleled integrity and a heart of gold.
He has earned over 6o international and local awards over many years of incisive entrepreneurship, was equally singled out and honoured by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary on October 1, 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, as well as Forbes Best of Africa Leading Tech Icon Award his outstanding entrepreneurship.
Leo Stan is Ochiririozuo Ubomiri, Ebekuo Dike, Ideato and Iyi of Mbaitoli
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