President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday congratulated Leo Stan Ekeh, founder and chairman of Zinox Group, on his 70th birthday, describing him as one of Nigeria’s pioneering innovators in the information technology sector.
Tinubu recall the historic 2001 launch of indigenous Zinox computers as a defining moment for local tech manufacturing.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, his special adviser on information and strategy, the president celebrated Ekeh’s Platinum Jubilee, commending his contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing base and digital ecosystem.
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Tinubu specifically reflected on the 2001 unveiling of Zinox’s locally assembled computer products and accessories, an event he described as groundbreaking for indigenous technology production. At the time, Tinubu was governor of Lagos State and played a prominent role in the launch held in Lagos.
Beyond attending the high-profile ceremony at Eko Hotel, Tinubu hosted Ekeh to a private dinner at the governor’s official residence, a gesture widely interpreted then as a strong endorsement of homegrown innovation and private-sector industrial drive.
The launch attracted top political and business leaders, including then vice president Atiku Abubakar, who served as special guest of honour, and former senate president Anyim Pius Anyim. Governors, federal lawmakers, ministers, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps and organised labour were also in attendance. Among labour leaders present was Adams Oshiomhole, who was then president of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Both Tinubu and Atiku had described the unveiling as one of the biggest technology product launches in Nigeria’s history at the time, marking a significant shift toward confidence in domestic capacity to assemble and manufacture computer hardware.
In his 70th birthday tribute, Tinubu praised Ekeh as a pace-setter and dynamic industrialist, acknowledging his role in promoting the Nigerian brand and creating opportunities for young Nigerians through technology and enterprise.
Ekeh currently presides over Zinox Group, a conglomerate with interests spanning technology manufacturing, distribution and e-commerce. Its subsidiaries include Zinox Technologies, Task Systems, TD Africa, Konga and TD Mobile.
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“As the chairman of Zinox Group celebrates this milestone, president Tinubu wishes him good health and more years of groundbreaking accomplishments,” the statement said.
The president’s message not only celebrates Ekeh’s personal milestone but also revisits a pivotal chapter in Nigeria’s technology history, the 2001 breakthrough that symbolised early efforts to build a self-sustaining indigenous ICT industry.
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