Quintessential Tony Elumelu is a global man. A man with many parts; An
entrepreneur per excellence, a philanthropist with a heart of Mother
Theresa. His passion for Africa’s economic potentials and growth; his love
for humanity and entrepreneurial acumen are second to none.
Elumelu never despises the days of little beginning. He took over a little
known Standard Trust Bank in 1997, turned it into a big brand. He saw
bright futures in the Banking Industry and as a man who is never scared or
tired of venturing, he acquired the United Bank for Africa, UBA, in 2005
and swiftly transformed the once-a-Nigerian dominant Bank to a global bank
with branches in more than 20 countries.
After nurturing UBA to becoming one of the biggest Banks in Africa,
Elumelu retired in 2010 to take up other challenges. He founded Heirs
Holding which is involved in the Real Estate, Energy, Financial services,
Healthcare and Hospitality industry.
While building Heirs Holdings, tireless Elumelu looked back and saw the
urgent needs to give back to the society especially young entrepreneurs
who need start-ups. He established The Tony Elumelu Foundation, TEF.
Elumelu believes in Africa’s next generation entrepreneurs. He believes
the dreams of the young Africans must not be wasted. He believes the
future of Africa is in the hands of her young entrepreneurs hence his
decision to help provide the skills and support to thousands of Africa’s
next generation entrepreneurs.
Since its inception in 2010, TEF, through Elumelu has invested in
thousands of Africa’s next generation entrepreneurs providing not just the
finances but well structured supports.
Elumelu, MFR, CON, who is named by Forbes Magazine as Africa’s 20 Most
Powerful People, is married to Awele Vivien. They are both blessed with
children.
Elumelu attended Ambrose Ali University, University of Lagos and Harvard
Business School. He is the Chairman of TRANSCORP, Heirs Holding and UBA
Plc.
Pointblanknews.com is pleased to confer on Mr. Tony Elumelu “The Man of
The Year” Award in recognition of his philanthropic works and his role in
paving the way for economic growth in Africa.