Manny Ita –
President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to technology entrepreneur Leo Stan Ekeh on the occasion of his 70th birthday, describing him as a “pioneering innovator” whose vision helped lay the foundation for Nigeria’s modern information technology ecosystem.
In a congratulatory message released on Sunday, the President commended Ekeh’s decades-long contributions to indigenous technology development, digital capacity building, and private-sector-led innovation. He noted that Ekeh’s work transformed Nigeria from a largely import-dependent market into a country capable of assembling and deploying homegrown computing solutions. “Leo Stan Ekeh stands tall among the nation’s technology pioneers whose courage and foresight opened new frontiers for Nigerian enterprise,” Tinubu said.
The President highlighted Ekeh’s role in founding the Zinox Group, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading indigenous ICT conglomerates, and credited the company with supporting government digitization programs, electoral technology deployment, and large-scale computerization initiatives across public and private institutions. “His achievements demonstrate the power of local ingenuity to compete globally,” Tinubu stated, adding that Ekeh’s success story continues to inspire young entrepreneurs.
Tinubu also praised the business leader’s philanthropic activities, particularly in education and youth empowerment, describing them as evidence of a commitment to national development beyond commercial success. “At 70, he remains a symbol of resilience, innovation, and patriotic service,” the President said, wishing him continued good health and many more years of impactful leadership.
Associates and industry figures similarly applauded Ekeh’s influence on Nigeria’s tech landscape, noting that his advocacy for local content policies helped stimulate domestic manufacturing and skills transfer. A senior ICT executive familiar with his work said, “He proved early that Nigerians could design, assemble, and manage complex technology systems at scale.”
Observers say the recognition underscores the growing importance of the technology sector to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, with indigenous firms increasingly positioned as drivers of job creation and digital transformation. Analysts note that pioneers like Ekeh helped establish the credibility necessary for Nigeria’s current wave of startups and tech investors.
Tinubu concluded his message by urging younger innovators to emulate Ekeh’s discipline and long-term vision. “The nation celebrates a man whose life’s work shows that bold ideas, pursued with integrity, can change the destiny of a people,” he said.
