NEWS
Leo Stan Ekeh @70, Zinox Group Offers 1000 University Tech Scholarship to Indigent Nigerian Wiz-kids
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Africa’s foremost tech icon and Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, who turns 70 on February 22, this year, has explained why he is not celebrating his 70th birthday with a mega party, preferring to offer University scholarships to additional 1000 Nigerian indigent wiz-kids to study Computer Science in Federal Universities so that the country’s private and public sectors could have a new generation of tech wiz-kids to support the growth of the economy.
He anticipates that these students who will not be bonded, shall disrupt global wealth equation in favour of Nigeria and defend our tech independence. Selection shall be based on a minimum Intelligent Quotient and age nationwide, and they shall be schooled and exposed beyond tech to become global Tech Citizens.
Speaking on phone, Ekeh said “Each shall have a tech mentor from year one, as I plan a partnership with Computer Society of Nigeria and every vocation they shall be engaged resourcefully. Beneficiaries shall be from poor homes and those with parents who earn below Government Level 10 and its equivalent in the private sector. The first batch starts this September, and I expect each to earn first class degree. This is my Group of companies’ and my little way of appreciating my country, individuals and corporates that gave us the opportunities in the last 40 years and still patronizing our Tech Group – Task Systems, TD Africa, Zinox Technologies, Konga etc. If we are successful with this spiritual mandate, I can then celebrate my 100 years on earth with a bang. With God and AI, I am aiming to make 120 years,” he said.
Ekeh, a largely humble and private person not known for celebrating birthday milestones, explained that rather than throwing a lavish birthday party befitting his newly attained septuagenarian age, he has chosen with his Group’s Management to provide world-class tech human capital to support growth of the nation’s economy.
“We need quality and tech-savvy wiz-kids who can drive the future of government and e-governance and those who will become change-makers in the private sector.
“I have been blessed and bruised in this country and I thank God. Frankly, I don’t see enough Nigerian tech wiz-kids who can defend the massive development anticipated in the next 5 – 10 years in the oil and gas, banking, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, entertainment, etcetera, and public sectors. We are becoming slaves in our own country in a knowledge century which is unfortunate. We are all arrogantly living just for today, forgetting that only four God-anointed tech wiz-kids can alter the GDP of this country in five years. The man who controls your tech resources decides your profit level and how far your country and corporations can grow in this second quarter of the 21st Century and in future,” he said.
Ekeh, who was once decorated by President Olusegun Obasanjo as ‘Icon of Hope’ on Nigerian Independence Day in 2003, for his tech-driven transformative impact on Nigerian economy and the youths, said Nigeria must begin to plan for the disruptions coming.
“The future is here but very fragile and disruptive, it’s either you are something or nothing at all. No middle ground. We need to alter the digital trajectories of our people. Technology is realistically the only profession in the world today that can alter the destiny of brilliant and humble kids from poor families and position them as huge wealth creators and sustainers. Though I am not really from a very poor family, but I am a testimony and shall tell the whole story in my book that shall be published last quarter of 2027. It shall be most revealing.
“This is my additional contribution amongst others to appreciate Nigerians, the Federal Government, sub- nationals and corporations that have been supporting my tech commitments and innovations on this side of the Atlantic,“ the soon-to-be septuagenarian said.
When asked how much it will cost to undertake such gigantic project, he said: “It is a spirit-driven project to thank those who supported and are still supporting companies within the Zinox Group. It has an annual cost that shall run into billions of Naira and my group is committed to it amongst other social responsibility projects like TD Africa Project to produce 10,000 female tech experts out of which 400 have graduated and are fully employed in different corporates in Nigeria. This is a 10-year project with other perks. The full package shall be revealed online on April 22, 2026,” he said.
However, beyond his birthday and the scholarship initiative, Ekeh in the last 40 years has been a worthy role model for philanthropy and a living exemplar of what it means to live for public good. He has been decorated with a lot of local and international awards. His group has trained and retrained over 3000 Nigerians and donated tech centres to over 25 institutions nationwide just to mention a few.
Ekeh was a former mass servant and chorister in his local community Catholic Church at Ubomiri, a sprawling community on the fringes of Owerri, Imo State.
One of his favourite pastimes is to seek out the poor and help them come up the ladder of life. He is an entrepreneur who draws a distinct line between capitalism and welfarism? He believes that capitalism must wear a human face; that profit must not take the place of empathy as no one came with and shall leave this earth with cash.
His philanthropy is not limited by geography. From south to the north, his imprints of charity dot many educational institutions. A couple of years ago, he built a church complete with rectory in his Ubomiri community, the same church where he was once a mass servant.
At the dedication of the church, he recalled in an emotion-laden voice: “My grandfather produced a Reverend Father who was ordained same day with Rev Canon Tansi. My father as a past time was a soloist in this church, and he served God with all his might; I was a mass servant and a member of this choir (pointing to the horde of choristers robed in red outfit). I have never tasted alcohol or smoked since I was born and I don’t know why. It was something that never appealed to me or fascinated me. I believe our good God decided to save me from birth.
“I come from a lineage of people who served God dedicatedly. I think I am a miracle child and was clear who I wanted to be from the day I launched out as a tech entrepreneur. I saw myself as an only Child even though I have siblings and, as an orphan even though my parents were alive and a bit civilized because no person around me even though educated, had tech knowledge to advise me, so I decided to take the pain before pleasure alone.
“I love God and will never hesitate to do anything in the service of God and humanity. I built this church as a mark of God’s special love and mercy towards me. I have the best wife any man would wish to have. She is a super star. She is intelligent, beautiful and unlike some women, she is not expensive and more importantly, we operate on the same tech wavelength. If for any reason I get stuck, she is the one to figure out the solution for me. God blessed me with brilliant and responsible children too. I am grateful to God because He has seen me through the valleys and mountains of life. As a mark of God’s mercy to me, I pay corporate tithes for all my companies. I didn’t read it in the Bible but I do it”, he told the audience.
“God is the architect of my success. As an entrepreneur, I have strategised, stayed up late, made projections but if there was no mercy of God and His grace to help me implement these, there will be no success. God has done me well; even for me to be alive, to come from the family I come from, the village, town, region and country I come from. Most importantly, God has managed me because He gave me a proactive personality, removing all the holes in my life. The temptations are there, you can imagine them. Maybe if I was taking alcohol, I would have been a mental guy. I work an average of 20 hours a day and near zero holidays and I have no health challenges,” he once told some journalists.
For Ekeh, the Forbes Best of Africa Leading Tech Icon, the scholarship for 1,000 Nigerian students remains a tiny drop in the ocean of multitude of philanthropies he has extended to persons and institutions across the continent quietly. Through his Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF), his family’s non-profit, and the various companies under the Zinox Group, he has impacted humanity and institutions both in cash and kind, especially human-capital development, upskilling the hitherto unskilled in tech-techniques, institutionalising entrepreneurship in select universities and awarded countless local and overseas scholarships to Nigerians of all tribes and tongues to advance their quest for knowledge.
In the last two years alone, the Foundation launched three entrepreneurship centres at St. Augustine University in Epe, Lagos, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Imo State University (IMSU) etc. The centres had been upskilling young men and women turning them to wealth and job creators, rather than job-seekers. At the IMSU centre, it was a moment of joy for about 200 young Nigerians who were the first set of beneficiaries of a 3-month entrepreneurship boost programme. They were taught the fundamentals of entrepreneurship by the best coaches and experts drawn from Nigeria, United States and United Kingdom. Not only were they tutored by the best whizzes in diverse fields of human endeavour, they were also kept on a stipend throughout the duration of the programme to augment their weekly commute to the centre. In addition, each trainee was gifted a brand-new Z-pad tablet to aid their learning and upskilling process. Some also received interest free loans to launch their businesses.
What’s unique about Ekeh and his philanthropy is that he does them behind the scene. No cameras flashing. No media buzz. Just humane acts of a man fated for greatness and encased in God’s grace.
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
Alabh George Turnah has emerged as the newly elected Chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Bayelsa state chapter with other elective officers to pilot the affairs of the party in the state.
Barr. Turnar who was the Acting Chairman of the Party in the state following the sack of former state working committee led by Solomon Agwana was dully elected as the chairman of the party in a concencious votes by the delegates on Saturday 14th March 2026.
The State Elective Congress was conducted under the watchful eyes of the representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) observers, National officers of PDP, stakeholders, Media among the rest.
Speaking during the acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman Barr. Alabh George Turnah said, he accepted the responsibility as the chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa state and his elective officers to reposition the party for greater works.
Turnar said, they take the mandates as sacred given to them by the people and they will not betray the confidence the people have repose in them. “We will work with all our hearts in line with the oath office we have taken before you today. I assure you, it’s a new down as from today for PDP in Bayelsa state”.
“PDP is Bayelsa and Bayelsa is PDP, what seems to look like PDP is an opposition in Bayelsa is theoretical . What is practical is that PDP is a majority party in Bayelsa state and at the right time, the people will reciprocate as we always done in appreciation to the party that have given an Ijaw man everything we would have ever ask for in this project called Nigeria.
“We are not an ungrateful people, we will continue to stand by this party PDP. The God who stand by the Party in 2019 is still the same God today and He still rules in the affairs of men. Come 2027 PDP under our leadership will not only make strong statement but will also deliver to the expectations of the world.
“Bayelsa Creek Haven belongs to PDP. This Secretariat is open for all and activities has begun in enerst with immediate state working committee meeting to kick start our work. We have already hit the ground running, I assure you of our loyalty, I assure you of our commitment, I assure you that we will operate open door administration . PDP will stand for you and we also expect that you will stand for PDP”.
He commended INEC, the panelists, observers and others for their hard work for the country. “I seek the co-operation of my team in order for us to work together. United we stand divided we fall”, Turnar said.
The newly elected Chairman Alabh George Turnah also used the occasion to commissioned the new PDP Secretariat building situated along Issac Boro express way in Yenagoa the state capital.
The Benue State Security Trust Fund Bill, 2026, passes second reading on Thursday at the Benue State House of Assembly.
Leading the debate, Thomas Dugeri, the Majority Leader, emphasised that the bill sought to create a pool of resources to support the acquisition of security equipment and the deployment of both human and material resources necessary for all security agencies operating in the state.
Dugeri said that part of the fund would be earmarked for the training and retraining of security personnel, ensuring that they were equipped to meet the evolving security challenges facing Benue.
“Our people are confronted with insecurity from multiple fronts.
“Security is everybody’s business, and it is imperative that we invest in the sector proactively to prepare for the rainy day,” he said.
He urged his colleagues to support the bill to pass second reading and subsequent passage.
Samuel Agada (APC/Ogbadibo) described the bill as apt, timely, and necessary.
Also, Cephas Dyako (APC/Konshisha), highlighted that members of the public would also be encouraged to contribute financially to the fund.
Anthony Agom (APC/Okpokwu), said that the initiative would help the government address persistent security gaps and fulfill its responsibilities more effectively.
Emmanuel Onah (PDP/Oju I), cited the example of Zamfara, where the governor purchased and distributed security vehicles to law enforcement agencies to combat insecurity.
He noted that Benue currently faced significant security challenges and pledged that his constituents were ready to contribute to the proposed fund.
After the debate, the Speaker, Alfred Emberga, called on the Clerk, Dr Bem Mela, to read the bill for the second time.
Emberga further referred the bill to the Committee on Local Government, Security and Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct a public hearing.
He said that after the public hearing, the bill was expected to receive accelerated passage.
Senegal’s parliament has approved a new law doubling to 10 years the maximum prison term for sexual acts by same-sex couples and criminalising the “Promotion” of homosexuality.
A total of 135 MPs voted in favour, zero against and three abstained.
The next step will be for the president to sign it, then it will become law.The legislation, which was a campaign promise of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, was sent to parliament after a wave of arrests over alleged same-sex relationships, already banned under Senegalese law.
The government spokesman dismissed international criticism of the bill, arguing that the move reflected the views of Senegalese people.
“The majority of Senegalese do not accept homosexuality. Our culture rejects it and we are firmly opposed to it,” said Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarré.
Some conservative activists in Senegal have long demanded harsher penalties.
The movement And Sàmm Jikko Yi, which campaigns to defend what it calls Senegalese moral values, has repeatedly urged authorities to adopt stricter legislation criminalising homosexual acts. Its leaders argue the law is necessary to protect Senegalese cultural and religious norms.
However, rights groups warn the move could worsen discrimination and violence against sexual minorities. Human Rights Watch researcher Larissa Kojoué said the proposed changes were worrying.
“Criminalising same-sex conduct and arresting people for their sexual orientation violates multiple internationally protected rights, including equality and non-discrimination.”
She added that such measures risked exposing people who were already stigmatised to “violence and fear.”
Alioune Tine, founder of the think-tank Afrikajom Center, said that the current climate could worsen social tensions. “If it is true that social concerns must be addressed, [the law] also has to respect human rights and protect public-health policies.”
Others have pointed out that same-sex relationships are a part of life and cannot be abolished by a law.
“Most of the same-sex relationships were hidden anyway. There are even people who are married in the society and who are still entertaining a safe-sex relationship because of the norm and the cultural norm in that society,” Senegal LGBTQ Association head and medical doctor Charles Dotou said.
All that will happen is “people will be hiding more, it will create more fear and people will be scared to live normally in that community. So there will be an exodus of people, particularly people who were already exposed so that that creates a bit of chaos in society,” Dr Dotou added.
The toughening of Senegal’s law follows a wave of arrests last month over alleged same-sex relationships. Police detained 12 men – among them two public figures and a prominent journalist.
Some supporters of the tougher legislation say they have concerns about HIV transmission, although it has long been scientifically established that people of any sexuality can contract and spread the illness.
Experts warn that further criminalising same-sex relations could vilify gay people living with HIV to the point that they shy away from receiving the vital medical care they need.
Senegal has been praised for its efforts to control HIV. Between 42,000 and 44,000 people are living with the virus in the country, with a national prevalence of about 0.3% among adults, one of the lowest rates in West Africa, according to the health ministry.
At the Fann University Hospital in Dakar, the executive secretary of the National Council for the Fight Against Aids (CNLS) – the body that has coordinated the country’s HIV response for decades – is worried about the situation with LGBTQ+ people.
“We have managed to control the HIV epidemic and we are moving towards eliminating Aids as a public health problem in Senegal,” Dr Safiétou Thiam said. “But what is happening now risks undermining the results of 30 to 35 years of efforts in the fight against the disease.”
Ousmane Sonko, the longtime firebrand opposition leader appointed prime minister in 2024, had told lawmakers the bill would punish what it describes as “acts against nature” with fines of up to 10,000,000 CFA francs ($17,600; £13,000) and prison sentences ranging from five to 10 years, compared with the current one- to five-year terms in the Muslim-majority country.
Several other African countries have also introduced tough new laws against the LGBTQ+ community in recent years.
In September last year, Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament approved a bill banning homosexual acts, following its neighbour Mali in 2024.
In 2023, Uganda voted in some of the world’s harshest anti-homosexual legislation meaning that people engaging in same-sex relationships can be sentenced to death in certain circumstances.
Ghana is also planning to re-introduce an anti-homosexual bill that activists say threatens basic human rights, safety and freedom.
Turnah Emerges as Bayelsa PDP Chairman
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa Alabh George Turnah has emerged as the newly elected Chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Bayelsa...
Military Repels Attacks, Neutralizes Terrorists, Rescues Kidnap Victims in Nationwide Operations
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded multiple operational successes across the country between March 7...
PDP Commissions New Secretariat in Bayelsa, Holds State Elective Congress
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa All is set for the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State to...
Benue Security Trust Fund Bill Passes Second Reading
ShareThe Benue State Security Trust Fund Bill, 2026, passes second reading on Thursday at the Benue State House of Assembly. Leading the debate, Thomas Dugeri, the Majority Leader, emphasised that the bill sought...
Over 20 Schools Set for Third Athletics School Games in Lagos
ShareNo fewer than 20 schools are set to participate in the third edition of the Athletics School Games (TASG), a grassroots athletics competition for school children scheduled to be held in Lagos. The...
Senegal Approves Tougher Anti-gay Law as Rights Groups Raise Concerns
ShareSenegal’s parliament has approved a new law doubling to 10 years the maximum prison term for sexual acts by same-sex couples and criminalising the...
Have Children Out of Wedlock, Marriage Doesn’t Work – Timaya
ShareNigerian singer, Timaya has shared his opinion on having children out of wedlock and marriage. The Dem Mama crooner sparked...
Ayra Starr Picks Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Rema as Goats of Afrobeats
ShareNigerian singer, Ayra Starr has named her greatest Afrobeats artistes of all time, otherwise called “Afrobeats Big 3.” In a...
Leprosy Mission Boosts Patient Care in Niger with 25 Electronic Beds
ShareFrom Daniel Amasingha, Minna. As part of efforts to improve the treatment and welfare of leprosy patients, the Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) has...
NNPCL Cuts Petrol Pump Price by N100 in Lagos, N95 in Abuja
ShareThe Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has reduced the pump price of petrol at its retail outlets to N1,130 per...