Founder of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, has charged Nigerian entrepreneurs to embrace a composite mindset inspired by three prominent political figures—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi—if they hope to thrive in Nigeria’s turbulent business environment.
Speaking during a mentorship session with young business leaders in Lagos, Ekeh said Nigeria’s economy, while full of potential, is also fraught with volatility, policy shifts, and systemic challenges that require entrepreneurs to be strategic, resilient, and ethically grounded.
“Nigeria’s entrepreneurial terrain is not for the faint-hearted,” Ekeh said. “It requires the combined strength of these leaders to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.”
Drawing from the political legacy of President Bola Tinubu, Ekeh emphasized the importance of long-term vision and courage in business. He cited Tinubu’s resilience during the 2003 elections, where he emerged as the only opposition governor to withstand the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) sweep under then-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“Tinubu’s defiance and strategic staying power should inspire any entrepreneur trying to weather economic uncertainty, policy instability, and fierce competition,” he said.
Ekeh also referenced Tinubu’s iconic declaration, “Emi lo kan” (“It’s my turn”), as a bold affirmation of self-belief, something he believes business leaders must embody to take their place in crowded markets, even when starting with limited capital.
He further praised Atiku Abubakar’s relentless political engagement and legal assertiveness, recalling how the former Vice President challenged powerful political structures, including the Federal Government, during his tenure.
“Quoting Atiku’s 2023 statement, ‘I am not going away… For as long as I breathe, I will continue to struggle,’ I believe entrepreneurs must mirror this same doggedness to scale bureaucratic walls and systemic resistance,” Ekeh stated.
He added that his own journey in building Zinox Technologies was marked by blackmail, resistance, and persecution—obstacles he overcame by refusing to retreat.
Peter Obi’s reputation for prudent governance and personal modesty also earned Ekeh’s admiration. He pointed to Obi’s cost-cutting governance style, his success in saving public funds while delivering essential services, and his unwavering adherence to moral standards.
“Obi teaches us the difference between thriftiness and stinginess,” Ekeh said. “His morality and credibility show that ethical practices build trust, making a company creditworthy and resilient.”
He urged emerging entrepreneurs to practice financial discipline and honesty as key ingredients in building sustainable businesses in Nigeria’s unpredictable economic climate.
Ekeh noted that survival and growth in Nigeria’s business landscape require a rare blend of attributes—strategy, perseverance, and ethical integrity. He described successful entrepreneurs as “tacticians, reformers, and moral visionaries” capable of thriving even amid chaos.
“The market does not forgive mediocrity or indecision,” he warned. “Nigeria is a land of immense reward, but only those who think smart, spend wisely, and stand firm in their values can unlock its promise.”
In a related development, Zinox Technologies, the tech conglomerate founded by Ekeh, has been officially invited to represent Nigeria at VivaTech Paris 2025—one of the world’s largest and most prestigious innovation conferences.
The invitation, facilitated in partnership with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, is seen as recognition of Zinox’s over two decades of consistent delivery in digital infrastructure, enterprise solutions, and innovation across Nigeria and parts of Africa.
Scheduled for June 11–14, 2025, the four-day global event will host leading tech companies, startups, investors, and thought leaders from around the world. Zinox is expected to showcase flagship projects and innovations that reflect Nigeria’s emerging digital capacity at its assigned exhibition booth.
