By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde
A historic moment unfolded at the Thisday Awards ceremony in Lagos on January 27, as Leo Stan Ekeh, a renowned digital entrepreneur, shared the stage with his son, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, as they both received prestigious awards.
This milestone marked the first time a father and son have been honored together in Nigeria’s Infotech ecosystem.
Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, the CEO of Konga Group, was recognized with the Young Global Leader Award for his innovative leadership in transforming Konga into a leading e-commerce platform in Africa. His achievements are a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, which started when he founded Yudala, a composite e-commerce company, at the age of 19 while studying at the University of Lancaster.
Prince Ekeh’s impressive academic background includes an MBA from Oxford and certifications from esteemed institutions such as Lagos Business School and Harvard. His entrepreneurial strength has earned him many awards, including a nomination for the Future Awards for Business Excellence and recognition as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent.
Leo Stan Ekeh, the Chairman of Zinox Group, received the CEO of the Year Award in the private sector. This honor acknowledges his trailblazing contributions to Nigeria’s digital economy over the past three decades. Ekeh’s efforts include computerizing newspaper houses, advertising agencies and printing presses in Nigeria during the 1980s and 1990s.
Throughout his career, Ekeh has gained several accolades and firsts, including launching the first internationally certified indigenous computer brand in West Africa and introducing the Naira sign (₦) on computer keyboards. His company, Zinox, has powered several high-profile projects, such as the 8th All Africa Games and the 18th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Ekeh’s family has become a dominant force in Africa’s digital landscape. His wife, Lady Chioma Ekeh, oversees TD Africa, a leading tech distribution company. His children, including Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, have followed in his footsteps, playing key roles in various tech companies under the Zinox Group. The Thisday Awards ceremony marked a proud moment for the Ekeh family, as they celebrated their shared achievements and contributions to Africa’s digital economy.
