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‘From Coal to Code’: Leo Stan Ekeh rallies young innovators to deploy techs to change lives

Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, at Enugu Tech Festival, in Enugu State Photo: Zinox Group

*Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Africa’s celebrated digital disruptor and Chairman of Zinox Group, shares inspirational insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the boundless potential of technology at the recent Enugu Tech Festival, in Enugu State of Nigeria

Isola Moses | ñ

The city of Enugu, in Enugu State of Nigeria, once famed for its coal deposits, is fast becoming a beacon of technological promise.

This transformation was powerfully underscored at the recent Enugu Tech Festival, a landmark event organised by the Enugu State Government, through the Ministry of Science and Technology under the leadership of Honourable Commissioner Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh.

With the theme, “From Coal to Code”, the festival marked a bold shift from legacy industries to a future powered by innovation.

The event featured a constellation of industry leaders, including Dr. Peter Mbah, Executive Governor of Enugu State; Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; and Mr. Ayodele Olawande, Honourable Minister for Youth Development.

Others include Prof. Barth Nnaji, Founder/Chairman of Geometric Power; Dr. Kingsley Eze, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tenece Holdings; Dr. Obinna Iyiegbu, Chairman of Cubana Group; Tomi Davies, and CiC at TVC Labs.

Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Africa’s celebrated digital disruptor and Chairman of Zinox Group, was among other luminaries, who graced the event.

Ekeh’s presence electrified the audience, but it was his electrifying speech that actually sealed the moment.

Drawing from his over three decades of pioneering success in Africa’s tech ecosystem, the expert captivated the audience with hard truths and inspirational insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the boundless potential of technology, when deployed ethically.

He also told the captivated audience that “hope is not a strategy in the 21st century.”

It was a stark reminder that while optimism is valuable, it must be matched by concrete skills and bold execution.

In a world dominated by algorithms, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and disruptive innovations, Ekeh opined that success belongs to those who dare to act and build decisively.

Zinox Group stated the ovation that followed Dr. Ekeh’s address revealed the fire he had lit in the hearts of young technology enthusiasts present at the landmark Enugu Tech Festival.

The Chairman of Zinox Group charged the young innovators to use technology not just to make a living but to change lives.

“Tech,” Ekeh declared, “has the power to redefine Enugu, Nigeria, and Africa — but only if we approach it with purpose.”

It is noted that everyone who spoke before and after echoed the same rallying cry: tomorrow begins now.

In his address on the occasion, Olawande, Minister for Youth Development, characterised the event as the largest youth gathering for a technology-focused programme.

He further praised the organisers and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment.

Enugu targets $30bn in 8 years: Gov. (Dr.) Mbah

In his speech, Enugu state State Governor said his administration had set a bold target of growing its economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in eight years through a 27 percent annual growth rate.

Initiatives like this tech festival are strategic steps toward that vision of positioning Enugu as a hub for business tourism, innovation, and inclusive prosperity.

But for this dream to materialise, all stakeholders must act.

According to Ekeh, our future will match our imagination, only if we dare to build it.

“The Nigeria we want will depend not on hope, but on action,” stated the tech expert.

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