Leading pioneer investor in Nigeria’s IT sector and chairman of Zinox Group, Mr Leo-Stan Ekeh, has averred that Nigeria has a huge stock of smart kids who can change and sustain the developmental story of this country.
Speaking during his presentation at the recent Access Bank-sponsored 2019 African Fintech Disrupt Conference held at the Landmark Centre, he was quick to decry that the needed change by the kids’ would only be possible if all they require including support and enabling environment which are not too expensive for the government to provide are on ground.
According to him, “The only way the Nigerian economy can realize the desired impetus to survive is for the Federal and State Governments to support disruptive entrepreneurs who are now the corporate miracles of every progressive economy”.
He cited America as an example which has produced the known whizkids of the century and raised global giants such as the Googles, Facebooks, Amazons and Microsofts, etc. of this world.
However, while advising entrepreneurs not to see hope as a strategy in business, he reminded them of a critical configuration required for a self-audit before deciding if they really want to be entrepreneurs.
Ekeh, who also doubles as a global advisor to Microsoft, made it clear that succeeding as an entrepreneur in Africa requires 40% common sense, 20% spirituality and 40% knowledge of the business.
He further noted that the 21st century has defined two types of entrepreneurs – disruptors and regular entrepreneurs, arguing that startups and other budding business owners must be able to pay their entry and business set up bills, else there is no justification for the business they are launching.
Explaining further, he reminded startups of the essential few ingredients of success, humility, ability to see the end from the start, an eye for the bigger picture, creative mindset, knowledge and energy to occupy the sector as well as the capacity to manage cash and excitement.
Continuing, he made it clear before the thousands of start-ups that they must be prepared to take reasonable pains before pleasure as they must postpone luxurious life until when they have built enough reserves to sustain such a lifestyle.
