Experts divided on Ekeh’s donation of HP products instead of Zinox to Ihedioha
More reactions have continued to trial the donation of 20 pieces of HP laptops (US made) and a set of printers to the Imo State Government by an indigenous Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and the chairman, Zinox Computers, Mr Leo Stan Ekeh at Ubomiri, Mbaitoli Local Government of Imo State.
Whereas some experts saw the development as an oversight and costly demarketing of own products, others saw no serious issue in the gesture considering the fact that one of his companies, Technology Distributions (TD), is a franchisee of the US computer group in West Africa.
Business Hilights recalls that several years back when Zinox Computers came on board, the chairman donated the products to several institutions including media houses.
Besides, few years ago, the company introduced world class tablet christened Zionx Zpad x7 an eight inches android tablet to the market and it competed favourably with foreign devices in the category.
Today, Zinox Technologies boosts of Desktop computers, Laptops and tablets of world class qualities.
However, efforts made through telephone calls and sms to get clarifications on the choice of computer donated by Zinox Group chairman from the Head, Corporate Communications at Zinox Technologies, Mr. Gideon Ayogu failed.
Added to the donations, Ekeh further launched an educational support project for indigent but intelligent students of the state to enable them acquire proper university education. For this, Ekeh set up a non-interest revolving loan scheme of N500m.
He made this disclosure at the flag-off/groundbreaking of the construction/rehabilitation of rural roads by the Imo State Government. The event, which held on Tuesday, August 27th at Ubomiri, Mbaitoli Local Government, had in attendance, the Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha. Also in attendance were traditional rulers and partner agencies from the World Bank and French Development Agency (AFD).
Indigent students will benefit from the revolving loan scheme to further and complete their education. Graduates from the scheme will also be exposed to employment opportunities.
Subsequently, the graduate-beneficiaries will be expected to refund the loan once they are gainfully employed at zero interest. This will ensure the sustenance of the scheme and allow others benefit from it.
First Class graduates will be exempted from repayment of the loans as reward for their sterling performance. Conversely, students whose grades drop to third class will be ejected from the scheme.
Ekeh believes that in the next 10 years, the interventions and the government’s commitment in these respects will reposition Imo state as the envy of all. Additionally, the serial digital entrepreneur revealed that Imo State is being used as a model. He disclosed that if it works, the efforts will be replicated in more states in Nigeria.
Apart from the donations, Mr Ekeh also declared a three-year interest free loan of N1b to petty traders and small and medium businesses in Imo State. Ekeh, a native of Imo State, disclosed the intervention is to reduce hardship, stimulate business activities and give hope to majority of the people in the state.
Responding, Gov. Ihedioha expressed appreciation to Ekeh for the humanitarian and noble gesture, even as he expressed pride in the Zinox Boss.
Ihedioha averred that “Imo State is proud to have a son like Leo Stan Ekeh. I am aware he put up some of his assets in order to raise the funds for the projects he has announced today. May God continually bless him for all that he does for humanity. I am hopeful that other well-meaning Imo indigenes will join us to rebuild the state.”
