Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of the Zinox Group, used the spotlight at TD Africa’s 12th “Celebrating You” Awards Night to deliver a pointed message to Nigerian parents, urging them to intentionally steer their children toward technology education. Speaking at the high-profile event in Lagos, Ekeh framed technology not as a luxury but as a national imperative, positioning it as the core driver of Nigeria’s future economic strength.

The awards ceremony, themed “African Digital Renaissance,” brought together industry leaders, partners and policymakers at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island. Designed to recognise outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, the evening underscored the growing influence of digital innovation across sectors and reinforced TD Africa’s role as a central player in that ecosystem.

Ekeh’s remarks struck a practical tone as he addressed parents directly, stressing that early exposure to technology skills is a strategic investment. “If you have two or three children, put at least two into technology,” he advised, describing the choice as a calculated gamble with long-term rewards. His comments reflected a broader belief that technology offers both personal opportunity and national resilience in an increasingly digital global economy.

Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, Chief Executive Officer of TD Africa, echoed that forward-looking message while acknowledging the company’s partners for their performance throughout 2025. She credited their consistency and excellence as critical to TD Africa’s continued growth, noting that strong partnerships remain the foundation of the company’s expanding success.

As Chairman of Zinox Group, Ekeh oversees a network of technology-driven companies, including TD Africa, Zinox Technologies and Konga, that collectively form a major part of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. His leadership philosophy has long centred on expanding access to technology and driving inclusion, a focus that has helped shape the group into a continental force.

Despite economic headwinds, Ekeh expressed confidence in Nigeria’s long-term prospects, predicting a dramatic turnaround within the next decade. He urged stakeholders to combine optimism with ethical business practices, arguing that sustainable growth requires discipline and conscience alongside ambition. This outlook reflects his broader optimism about Nigeria’s capacity to compete globally.

He also highlighted a personal business principle he calls “corporate tithe,” which commits a portion of company resources to social and economic development. That philosophy has translated into tangible initiatives, including a multimillion-dollar creative financing facility aimed at supporting businesses locked out of traditional credit. According to Ekeh, reinvesting in the economy is both a moral and strategic choice.

That commitment recently took shape in the Computerize Nigeria Initiative, a collaboration involving Zinox Technologies and Konga, designed to provide computers and digital infrastructure to one million Nigerian students. The programme combines hardware, power solutions, connectivity and training, positioning it as one of the most ambitious corporate-led digital education efforts in the country’s history.

The awards night also recognised partners across multiple categories, including Partner of the Year, OEM of the Year and Digital Impact Award, celebrating innovation, execution and collaboration across the technology value chain. A raffle draw added a festive note, with a brand-new SUV awarded to a partner, underscoring the event’s celebratory spirit.

High-profile guests from business, government and industry attended the ceremony, while performances from leading Nigerian entertainers blended cultural flair with corporate recognition. Together, the speeches, awards and performances reflected a shared message: technology is no longer optional, but central to Nigeria’s future direction.