Prominent Nigerian business man and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu has been announced on Thursday by Nigeria’s first online newspaper/TV for entrepreneurs, MAKE IT, as the winner of its maiden Entrepreneur of the month award.
Tony Elumelu, who is the Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Heirs Holdings, Transcorp and numerous other companies was given the First Badge of Honour for Outstanding Nigerian entrepreneurs.
From the struggles of a humble beginning to the meteoric rise as a prominent Nigerian banker and now, one of Africa’s champions, spearheading continental development through his long term investments, entrepreneurship initiatives and advocacy, Plateau born Tony Elumelu been dubbed the AfriCapitalist and arguably, as one of Nigeria’s largest entrepreneurs of all time.
Every month, MAKE IT chooses a notable entrepreneur who has for many years built successful businesses and mentored others for the honour. The organisation said Members of its Editorial Board unanimously chose Chief Elumelu for his dogged commitment to promoting entrepreneurship not only in Nigeria but across Africa. MAKE IT’ specifically mentioned the astounding contributions he is making to develop entrepreneurship in Africa by setting aside $100 million to empower 10,000 African entrepreneurs in 10 years. The project is expected to add $10 billion in revenue to Africa’s economy within a decade.
MAKE IT said as part of its corporate goals, it aims to inspire more Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship as the surest path to a brighter future, by regularly celebrating in a spectacular way entrepreneur who has broken great barriers to excel.