Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman Zinox Group
Son of the soil and Nigeria’s leading investor in digital technologies and Chairman of Zinox Group, Dr. Leo-Stan Ekeh has affirmed that technology remains the richest business in the world.
Speaking to participants in his keynote address at the opening of a three-day (April 23-25) 4th Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Summit 2025 at Protea Hotel, New Owerri, Imo State, with the theme: ENABLING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS FOR RAPID NATIONAL GROWTH, Ekeh challenged participants to make good use of the opportunity, saying that “Tech is the richest business in the world.”
He told them that AI and Robotics are a driving force of the present economy which is reshaping the ecosystem.
The Konga and TD Africa chairman appreciated the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinmma for his infrastructural developments in the State, insisting that he is investing more on human capital development and technology than any other governor known to him in the country.
According to him, Governor Uzodimma has remained intentional in investing and developing for tomorrow, and prayed God to bless him and imbue him with more wisdoms to pilot the affairs of Imo State.
In his welcome address the President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, explained that the body has been at the forefront of information Technology Development, driving digital transformation and fostering innovation for National Progress.
He noted that the society has consistently initiated programmes aimed at leveraging emerging technologies to address critical challenges and propel sustainable development across diverse sectors.
Dr. Aliyu noted that this year’s theme was reflecting the commitment to leveraging technological advancements for inclusive development aiming at providing a platform for Stakeholders to explore the latest trends, innovations and best practices in AI and Robotics, with a focus on strategies to drive socio-economic advancement and foster digital inclusion.
He appreciated Governor Uzodimma for accepting to host the summit, describing him as “an amiable person, a man of the people and a core professional who has continued to drive government processes using technology.”
In his presentation, Governor Uzodimma has said that Imo State is setting the pace as far as Artificial Intelligence is concerned in Nigeria, insisting that his policies on digitalisation take into cognisance the demands of the tomorrow’s world.
The Governor who acknowledged that the theme was apt, noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, “the Federal Government is taking proactive steps to position Nigeria as a global player in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.”
He disclosed that recently the Federal Government launched the Labour Employment Enhancement Programme (LEEP) to equip Nigerians with digital skills and create 2.5 million jobs, “a way to align the workforce with the demands of the 21st century economy.”
Uzodimma acknowledged that Imo State is setting the pace as the first in Nigeria to establish a Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government, “through which the Skill-Up Imo Programme was launched and has recorded successes in training over 40,000 youths in frontier tech skills, including artificial intelligence, cyber security and cloud computing.”
Present at the summit were the Minister of Communications & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji, APC National Vice Chairman South East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-governance, Dr Chimezie Amadi, dome Government functionaries, Rector Imo State Polytechnic, Dr. Basilica Igbokwe among others.
