Leo Stan Ekeh Inspires Young Innovators at Enugu Tech Festival

Chairman of Zinox Group and renowned tech entrepreneur, Leo Stan Ekeh, has called on young innovators in Enugu to leverage technology not just as a tool for personal gain, but as a transformative force for society.

Speaking at the Enugu Tech Festival, a groundbreaking event organized by the Enugu State Government through its Ministry of Science and Technology, Ekeh delivered a powerful mentorship session to a packed audience of aspiring tech talents. The festival, themed “From Coal to Code,” symbolizes Enugu’s bold transition from its coal-mining legacy to a future driven by innovation and digital enterprise.

The high-profile event brought together an impressive lineup of leaders and visionaries, including the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande; Chairman of Geometric Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji; CEO of Tenece Holdings, Dr. Kingsley Eze; Chairman of Cubana Group, Dr. Obinna Iyiegbu, and Founder of TVC Labs, Tomi Davies, among others.

Drawing on his over 30 years of experience in building Africa’s digital economy, Ekeh urged the youth to embrace entrepreneurship with integrity, resilience, and a higher sense of purpose. “Technology has the power to redefine Enugu, Nigeria, and the entire African continent — but only if we use it intentionally and ethically,” he said.

Echoing Ekeh’s message, other speakers emphasized the urgency of investing in the present to shape a prosperous future. Minister Ayodele Olawande described the gathering as the largest youth-driven tech event in recent history, applauding the Enugu State Government for its commitment to youth empowerment and innovation.

In his keynote address, Governor Peter Mbah reiterated his administration’s ambition to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years, targeting a 27% annual growth rate. He noted that initiatives like the tech festival are critical to this vision, positioning Enugu as a destination for business tourism, technological innovation, and inclusive development.

The Enugu Tech Festival marked a pivotal moment in the state’s digital transformation agenda, serving as both a celebration of innovation and a clarion call to young Nigerians: the future is now.