General News
TD Has Given ICT Market Part of its Credibility –Ekeh
Chioma Ekeh is managing director, Technology Distributions Limited (TD), a world-class technology leader in distribution incorporated to pioneer technology distribution in West Africa. She holds a Bachelors Degree in both Economics and Mathematics and an MBA of the Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, and has attended several training courses both within and outside Nigeria. Ekeh is also a qualified accountant (FCCA) with many years of working experience, from Sterling Devereaux as a financial adviser, to London Borough of Lewisham as senior accountant and later a principal auditor. She spoke to hilary okeke
Benefits of Partnership with OEMs
Basically, a partnership is a strategic arrangement that brings one or two or more actors in a business together. When they are brought together in a partnership, the benefits are obvious. There is financial, technical and professional support because all the parties are pulling resources together. Where one party is deficient in terms of capacity, it can easily lend from another, which means that the business will be more profitable, it would benefit the society more and the market grows. When you look at the issue of technology transfer, it is not something someone goes elsewhere and steals. It is something that you can get from such partnerships as we have here today. By the partnership between TD and Dell for instance, TD gives Nigerians and other West Africans direct access to Dell technology offerings. Dell products have been around – our people use them, repair them and even clone them. But this partnership will make authentic Dell products available to end-users who now have to be rest assured that they are making good purchases.
Price Control Policy on Products
There is a pricing policy that ensures that resellers get the products at rates which are favourable, so that they can sell to end-users and meet their profit goals. When we get from the manufacturer, he gives a margin and we as middlemen passing on the product to resellers take very tiny margin so that resellers can make profit at the end of the day. So at the point that it is sold to the end-user, everybody makes something. It is beyond just profit and loss statement though. There is also the mechanism of warranty, which devolves from the manufacturer, to the core mover and to the reseller – that is manufacturers’ warranty, distributors’ warranty and reseller’s warranty; so that the products are protected and the end-users are protected as well.
Role in After-Sales Support
What TD does is retrieve the products that are faulty and then pass them back to the manufacturer. Where there is an arrangement between the manufacturer and TD, a support centre is established, and that centre is dedicated to equipment coming from a particular manufacturer. As we speak, we have such support centre in our group of companies. TD works through the Task support group. All faulty PCs irrespective of brand are sent to the Task support group for repairs.
Zinox’s Position in TD’s Partnership with Other OEMs
Today we have TD in partnership with Dell, HP, Toshiba, Acer, as well as Zinox. No, TD is not in any form of competition with Zinox because they are not in the same market. The way Dell manufactures and appoints TD as a distributor is the same way Zinox manufactures and appoints TD as a distributor. TD markets all internationally acclaimed brands. It would be a disservice to this economy, given TD’s experience and capacity, to devote its distribution channel to only Zinox. It would be a great disservice to the Nigerian and the entire West African markets.
Implications of the Recent TD, Dell Partnership
TD being a top distributor of ICT products in the entire West African region translates into gain in market share for Dell. This partnership automatically means that Dell has access to TD resellers, and these resellers are top sellers each passing year, wherever they operate. There is cohesion between TD and its resellers that you do not find among other bulk movers. In choosing our resellers, the candidate must be morally sound, must have a recognizable and accessible outlet, must have at least two or three engineers in his employ, and must have a capacity for marketing, proven. Our resellers cover the West African sub-region and our relationship with them has been wonderful.
What Makes TD Unique in Nigeria
Technology Distributions is a bulk mover. The company was set up to move equipment directly from original manufacturers. It was set up at a time when the market was not organised, and there was little or no capacity in terms of finance, professionalism and business intelligence and depth of understanding of the business of information technology distribution. TD was not set up to sell products to end-users, from the onset it sells only to distributors and resellers. TD established a tier of resellers in the ICT market who have given the market part of its credibility today. So it is important to make this distinction between TD and other practitioners in the market. A lot of people you see out there practicing may who come across as TD counterparts, but they are mere distributors who also sell to end-users. If an end-user comes to us to buy a product, we send him/her to our resellers. TD serves as a middleman between the manufacturers and the resellers, so it is a unique position we occupy in the marketplace.
TD in Nigeria and Other African Markets
TD is strong in Ghana, and there are about 20 million people there while Nigeria has a population of about 150 million. When you compare both markets, what would make more sense is only when you talk about ethics, and not volume of business or the modalities for the execution of this business. Looking at the volume of sales in Nigeria and that in a place like Ghana, you would see that it is higher here. In Nigeria, it is possible to sell more PCs to individuals than elsewhere in this region because people here tend to have more disposable income than others. TD as a bulk mover, has marked a significant presence in the West African region. When we enter any country, we appoint distributors and resellers who interface with end-users. So it is easier to appreciate TD’s performance in these markets, against this background. TD is the only platform of this nature that is actually committing resources to the development and restructuring of those African markets. For instance, the Gambian and even the Ghanaian markets were not properly structured before we got there. TD was able to bring in the kind of professionalism, financial muscle and goodwill at the government, resellers and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) levels, which makes it possible for the markets to be now properly structured.
FirstCap, an investment banking firm and subsidiary of FirstHoldCo Plc., has successfully closed the ₦4.46 billion Series 1 Bond Issuance by LAPO MFB SPV Plc, reinforcing its strong leadership in Nigeria’s debt capital markets and deepening access to long term funding for high impact sectors.
Acting as Lead Issuing House, FirstCap structured the fund raising on behalf of LAPO MFB SPV Plc (a company sponsored by LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited to mobilise institutional capital targeted at SME financing, renewable energy expansion, and digital financial services, three critical drivers of inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
The transaction is underpinned by a compelling impact thesis, with proceeds strategically deployed to support small businesses and clean energy initiatives. The microfinance sector continues to demonstrate resilience and strong fundamentals positioning the issuance at the intersection of growth, sustainability, and financial inclusion.
Commenting on the transaction, Ukandu E. Ukandu, Managing Director, FirstCap Limited, said: “This successful issuance underscores our strategic commitment to directing capital where it delivers measurable economic impact. At FirstCap, we partner with institutions that have the scale, discipline, and vision to transform markets, and LAPO exemplifies these qualities.
The ₦4.46 billion bond is positioned to be a catalyst for SME growth, expanded energy access, and broader financial inclusion. We remain committed to structuring transactions that are not only bankable, but impactful and aligned with Nigeria’s long term economic trajectory.”
FirstCap Limited remains committed to leading from the forefront of Nigeria’s capital markets, structuring transactions that are bankable, impactful, and investable, while supporting the future trajectory of Nigeria’s economic development.”
The MTN Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 scholarship programmes as part of efforts to promote academic excellence and support financially challenged students across Nigeria.
MTN Foundation
The foundation, in a statement on Monday, said the application cycle covers its Science and Technology Scholarship (STS), Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS), and a newly introduced scholarship category specifically for medical students.
According to the foundation, the medical scholarship was previously embedded within its broader STEM scholarship category but has now been carved out to provide targeted financial support for outstanding medical students in public tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals nationwide.
Under the 2026 programme, 400 successful applicants, including 100 medical students, will receive annual scholarship grants of N300,000 each.
The foundation said the scholarship is designed to support tuition, textbooks, and living expenses, helping beneficiaries focus on their studies amid rising education costs and current economic realities.
Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya, said the scholarship programme reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to youth development and educational advancement.
“This call for applications reinforces our long-standing commitment to Nigerian youth by providing them with the resources needed to compete and excel globally.
“Our aim is to empower these bright minds to become the drivers of a technologically advanced Nigeria. At the MTN Foundation, we firmly believe that financial limitations should not stifle academic potential,” she said.
The foundation said eligible applicants include 300-level students studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-related disciplines in public tertiary institutions.
Medical students in 400-level at public universities and teaching hospitals are also eligible, alongside blind students in 200-level and 300-level courses.
According to the statement, the N300,000 scholarship is renewable annually until graduation, subject to beneficiaries maintaining the required academic standards.
It said STS recipients are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.5, while Scholarship for Blind Students beneficiaries must sustain a minimum CGPA of 2.5.
Beyond financial support, the foundation said beneficiaries would also gain access to mentorship opportunities, technical training, and employability workshops under its Skill Up initiative.
The initiative is designed to equip students with practical and soft skills required to succeed in an increasingly competitive and digital global economy.
The MTN Foundation Scholarship Programme, now in its 15th year, has become one of the company’s flagship education interventions, supporting thousands of students across Nigeria.
The foundation said the programme continues to remove economic barriers to education while contributing to national development through human capital investment.
Interested applicants have been advised to submit their applications through the official scholarship portal before the deadline of May 31, 2026.
International wellness technology brand Amezcua is marking its 20-year milestone with the global rollout of the GX-1 Bio-Reset System, a non-powered grounding mat designed to be used as part of everyday wellness routines.
Amezcua
The launch signals the first phase of Amezcua’s 2026 expansion across the Middle East, Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, regions experiencing accelerated growth in consumer-led, lifestyle-oriented wellbeing adoption.
Nigeria’s wellness and personal care market is experiencing a significant surge, with the beauty and personal care sector alone valued at approximately USD 7.8 billion in 2023.
This rapid growth, expected to continue with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 17% in some segments between 2023 and 2027, is driven by a profound shift towards preventive health, natural products, and holistic wellbeing.
Designed for daily use at home or at work, the GX-1 requires no electricity, charging, batteries, or powered connection. As a non-powered mat, it does not generate electrical current or emit signals.
The system includes a conductive connection wire linking the primary mat to a secondary floor contact pad. The portable mat is intended to complement rest, recovery and overall well-being routines as part of broader lifestyle practices.
Amezcua is a wellness technology brand under QNET, a wellness and lifestyle-focused direct selling company. This latest launch reflects the organisation’s continued focus on accessible, nature-inspired wellness solutions.
“Over the past two decades, we have observed a global shift from reactive healthcare to proactive wellbeing”, said Mattias Mildenborn, Chief Executive Officer of QNET.
“The GX-1 reflects that transition by offering a simple, non-powered solution designed to integrate seamlessly into modern lifestyles without requiring additional digital dependency,”
Grounding – sometimes referred to as “earthing” – is a wellness practice that continues to attract interest internationally.
Amezcua emphasises responsible communication in the evolving wellness space and positions the GX-1 as a lifestyle wellness product and not a medical device.
Elena Khoo, Chief Marketing Officer of QNET, said transparency is essential as consumer literacy continues to grow. “The wellness sector is evolving rapidly, and consumers are increasingly discerning.
“Our responsibility is to communicate clearly that grounding is positioned as a complementary lifestyle practice, not a form of medical care or intervention. Transparency builds long-term trust.”
Materials, Safety and Quality
The GX-1 is made with an electroconductive polyurethane (PU) upper layer and Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer (TPE) foam for the base layer.
Independent testing conducted by Bureau Veritas confirmed that the materials comply with the European Union’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) chemical safety regulation, with no Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) detected.
The materials are hypoallergenic and safe for prolonged skin contact. The product is manufactured under an ISO 9001:2015-certified quality management system and is positioned as a non-powered general wellness mat, not a medical device.
Product Formats and Everyday Use
The GX-1 is available as a pack of two: a large mat and a small mat. The large mat is designed for versatile use — for example, placed on a bed beneath a sheet, used on a chair or sofa, or used as a yoga mat as part of a personal wellbeing routine.
The small mat is designed for portability, including use when seated during travel (such as flights) by placing it at the feet or at a work desk. For users who want extended coverage, the two mats can be connected to create a larger continuous grounding surface.
The product is available through the official QNET e-store and via authorised Independent Distributors in participating markets.
As Amezcua expands into new regions throughout 2026, the GX-1 launch signals the brand’s continued focus on nature-inspired wellness technologies adapted for contemporary lifestyles.
For more information, visit www.amezcua.com.
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