*Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group and Africa鈥檚 most decorated technology entrepreneur, shares success nuggets with young business leaders, in Lagos, stressing why a successful entrepreneur in the Nigerian economy must cultivate a ‘composite strength, drawing inspirations from the distinct yet powerful qualities’ embodied by prominent national figures, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group and Africa鈥檚 most decorated technology entrepreneur, has highlighted a compelling and insightful perspective on how to truly flourish as an entrepreneur in Nigeria.

Ekeh, who stated this at a recent mentoring session in Ikoyi, Lagos, organised by some young business leaders, said a successful entrepreneur in the Nigerian economy must cultivate a composite strength, drawing inspirations from the distinct yet powerful qualities embodied by prominent national figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and Mr. Peter Obi.

The expert noted the path of entrepreneurship, particularly within the dynamic and often unpredictable terrain in the West African country is not for the faint-hearted.

Ekeh emphasised that successful entrepreneurship in Nigeria “demands a unique blend of attributes to navigate the complexities and take the latent opportunities.”

It is equally noted that Dr. Ekeh鈥檚 analogy, while seemingly unconventional, resonates deeply when dissecting the multifaceted demands of building and sustaining a successful enterprise in this unique environment.

The tech icon also posited that the intricate tapestry of Nigerian entrepreneurship actually requires a leader to possess the strategic acumen, capacity, leadership, and courage of Tinubu, the bravery, fairness, determination, humanity, and meticulousness of Atiku, as well as the humility, spirituality, thriftiness, morality, and capacity of Obi to succeed.

He further stated: “We know President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 political career to be indelibly marked by extraordinary resilience and long-term strategy.

“As the only opposition governor who survived the 2003 PDP sweep under President Obasanjo, Tinubu (who is the current President of Nigeria) demonstrated defiance and exceptional ability to withstand immense political pressure and navigate Obasanjo鈥檚 regime.”

Ekeh averred that his resilience, honed through years of political battles, is an indispensable trait for any Nigerian entrepreneur.

He as well emphasised that the business landscape in Nigeria is often fraught with unforeseen challenges, such as economic fluctuations, regulatory shifts, infrastructural deficits, and intense competition.

According to Ekeh, an entrepreneur must possess the mental fortitude to weather these storms, learn from setbacks, and emerge stronger.

He asserted: “BAT is fundamentally a man of capacity, astute strategic thinking and decisive leadership.

“As someone whose parents were not the richest, himself possibly not the most intelligent person in Nigeria, and who himself is not the richest, he woke up one day and told a population of 230 million Nigerians, ‘Emi lo kan’ (it鈥檚 my turn).”

Underscoring Tinubu’s determination and sense of responsibility, Ekeh said: “This speaks of bravery and capacity. He has demonstrated that no one goes to war intending to be defeated, and politics in Nigeria is like war.

“Similarly, entrepreneurs must build the capacity and courage to declare their readiness for market leadership, regardless of their starting point or resources.”

The tech icon also stressed that Tinubu’s ability to build coalitions, identify key opportunities, and implement well-defined plans were instrumental in his political successes.”

Likewise, a successful entrepreneur in Nigeria must be “a strategic thinker, capable of identifying market gaps, formulating effective business models, and leading their team with clarity and purpose.

“The courage to make bold decisions, even in the face of uncertainty, a hallmark of Tinubu’s leadership, is equally vital for entrepreneurs seeking to disrupt markets and carve out their niche,” Ekeh declared.

He referenced how former Vice-President Atiku is often described as a tenacious and persistent politician of modern Nigeria.

He noted Atiku鈥檚 bravery in challenging political structures, even taking the Federal Government to court during his tenure as Vice-President, demonstrating the type of tenacity entrepreneurs must adopt when confronting unfair policies or bureaucracy.

He said that Atiku鈥檚 statement, during a press briefing in 2023, “I am not going away鈥�. For as long as I breathe, I will continue to struggle with other Nigerians, to deepen our democracy and rule of law”, encapsulates a spirit of perseverance that resonates deeply with the entrepreneurial struggle.

According to Ekeh, building a business in the country often requires navigating bureaucratic hurdles, overcoming systemic challenges, and maintaining faith in one’s vision despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

He equally, narrated how himself has had to take focused steps in ensuring that a digital Nigeria is born, though with blackmail and persecutions from left, right and centre.

Success, as an entrepreneur, attracts friends and foes, he said.

Ekeh noted Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, in the South-East region, and recently a presidential contender, is revered for his prudent management style and humility, a stark contrast to the often-ostentatious nature of politics.

The tech icon averred that this humility, however, should not be misconstrued as a lack of ambition but rather as a grounded approach to leadership – one that prioritises service and impact over personal aggrandisement.

He stated: “As governor, he (Obi) drastically, cut the cost of governance, saved reserves, and still delivered impressive results in Anambra.

“Entrepreneurs, especially in their formative years, must learn the difference between thriftiness and stinginess.”

Ekeh explained that Obi鈥檚 approach to governance teaches business leaders to prioritise essentials and minimise wastage.

“In a volatile economy like Nigeria鈥檚, this is how businesses survive and grow.

“Obi鈥檚 spirituality and morality also highlight the importance of ethical business practices,” he said.

He further emphasised that building trust among clients, investors, and staff could make or break a company.

According to Ekeh, a company that has credibility is credit-worthy.

His assertion that to be a successful entrepreneur in Nigeria demands the 鈥渃ombined strength鈥� of Tinubu, Obi, and Atiku is not just metaphorical.

It is a practical blueprint for survival. The Nigerian market does not forgive mediocrity or indecision.

Only entrepreneurs who are tacticians, reformers, and moral visionaries will remain standing when the tides inevitably shift, noted the expert.

According to him, as Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria is also one of the hardest places to run a business.

However, it is equally one of the most rewarding if navigated properly.

Ekeh鈥檚 rise in the tech space, pioneering digital publishing, launching Nigeria鈥檚 first internationally certified computer brand, and building a conglomerate like Zinox Group, echoes these three traits.

Success requires more than innovation. It requires a strategic blend of courage, sacrifice, calculated frugality, and unwavering belief in possibilities.

Nigerian entrepreneurs must prepare to bend without breaking, be agile yet rooted, and above all, operate with ethical conviction.

By cultivating this integrated strength, he stressed that Nigerian entrepreneurs can navigate the complexities of the local market, capitalise on its immense potential, and build sustainable, impactful businesses that contribute to economic growth and prosperity in Nigeria.

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