As part of his intervention effort to reduce hardship, stimulate businesses and give hope to majority of people in Imo state, Chairman, Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh has declared a three-year interest free loan of N1b to petty traders and small and medium businesses in the state.
He made this disclosure at the flag-off/groundbreaking of the construction/rehabilitation of rural roads by the Imo State Government by the Governor of Imo state, Emeka Ihedioha. Also in attendance were traditional rulers and partner agencies from the World Bank and French Development Agency (AFD).
Ekeh, a native of Imo State, also launched an educational support project for indigent but intelligent students of the state to enable them acquire proper university education.
For this, Ekeh set up a non-interest revolving loan scheme of N500m.
Ekeh believes that in the next 10 years, the interventions and the government’s commitment in these respects will reposition Imo state as the envy of all. Additionally, the serial digital entrepreneur revealed that Imo State is being used as a model. He disclosed that if it works, the efforts will be replicated in more states in Nigeria.
The Zinox boss equally donated 20 laptops and a set of printers to the Imo State Government.
“I am very sure other well-meaning Nigerians will borrow same strategies to replicate in their communities. This is not the age of free money and bad wastage. The 21st century is the age of privileges and opportunities.
In his speech at the event, Gov. Ihedioha expressed appreciation to Ekeh for the humanitarian and noble gesture, even as he expressed pride in the Zinox Boss.
“Imo State is proud to have a son like Leo Stan Ekeh. I am aware he put up some of his assets in order to raise the funds for the projects he has announced today. May God continually bless him for all that he does for humanity. I am hopeful that other well-meaning Imo indigenes will join us to rebuild the state.”
Ekeh, a global advisor to Microsoft, has been responsible for a number of charitable works in Imo State and beyond. He has also been involved in providing scholarships to needy students, medicare to the indigenes and regularly supporting religious institutions in the state.