On the occasion of his 60th birthday, world leaders, and Tony Elumelu Foundation alumni celebrated the chairman of United Bank of Africa, Tony Elumelu. Congratulatory messages were sent to Elumelu by prominent figures like former UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair; former US President and Secretary of State, Bill and Hillary Clinton; president of France, Emmanuel Macron; President of Nigeria, Muhammad Buhari; President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame; President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo as well as Aliko Dangote and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The sheer impact of Elumelu’s work has not gone unnoticed. In his message of congratulations, Macron emphasised the importance of Elumelu’s Foundation for empowering African youth and its role in helping Africa to grow its presence in the global economy. Likewise, Buhari praised Elumelu for his ambition in setting up of the modern and technologically friendly Standard Trust Bank, and also leading one of the most historic mergers with the UBA.
In his message, Bill Clinton stated that the Elumelu Foundation has inspired many with its philanthropic vision and it has enabled people to realize their ambitions. Apart from these prominent individuals, entrepreneurs across Africa, including Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria also attended the symposium held in honour of Elumelu in Lagos.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation, since its founding in 2010, is an African-based non-profit organization committed to educating, leveraging and encouraging African business innovation and entrepreneurship. Its programme, TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, has a 10-year commitment to identify and empower 10,000 entrepreneurs across 54 African countries and provide them with the necessary funds, mentorship and training, creating 1 million jobs and $10 billion in revenues for the African economy.
Elumelu, who is often referred to as “Africapitalist” has certainly made a lasting mark in the African economic landscape. His rise from humble beginnings in 1980s to becoming CEO at Standard Trust Bank and then chair of United Bank of Africa in 2010 is certainly something to be admired. He has made his mark through his benevolence and focus on raising the next generation of entrepreneurs, making him an inspiration to many.
On this milestone, many from around the world continue to wish Elumelu a very happy 60th birthday!
