UBA Group Chairman Elumelu Honoured Dwight D. Eisenhower Global Entrepreneurship Award

The Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), a non-profit U.S Business Association has presented a prestigious Dwight D. Eisenhower Global Entrepreneurship Award to both Tony O. Elumelu and Bill Marriott, Chairman, Marriott International Inc held at the Cipriani on Wall Street in New York.

The Group Chairman, United Bank of Africa Plc (UBA) and Founder, Tony Elumelu

Foundation becomes first African to receive the prestigious award.

The award was conferred on Elumelu in recognition of his outstanding work in promoting Entrepreneurship on the continent of Africa and across the globe.

His Foundation, Tony Elumelu Foundation, has funded over 3,000 African entrepreneurs to date with U$D100 million commitment to 10,000 entrepreneurs over a period of 10 years.

These entrepreneurs are expected to create a million jobs and over U$D10 billion in revenue as a result of the initiative of Elumelu’s Foundation.

At the award’s gala, former American President George W. Bush acknowledged the efforts of the African entrepreneur indicating that “I am impressed with Tony’s philanthropic initiatives which are powering job creation and entrepreneurship in the African region which is very dear to Laura and me.”

Speaking of the reason why Elumelu was selected as the recipient of this prestigious award, Peter Tichansky, the CEO of BCIU said MrElumelu’sbold approach and can-do spirit characteristics of a visionary entrepreneur.

He indicated that Mr. Elumelu embodies the idea that companies must take the lead in bringing business and society together.

According to him, his advocacy is proving that businesses acting as businesses and not charitable donors are the most powerful force for addressing social challenges and economic development.

“Indeed this is the philosophy of Elumelu, founder of the concept of Africapitalism, which essentially states that Africa’s private sector must play a leading role in the development and growth of the continent as both governments and the private sector come together to make this happen,” Peter Tichansky intimated.

Tony Elumelu, in his acceptance speech, noted that President Eisenhower was a man of many dimensions and most important is his leadership.

He added that being recognized today as a recipient of the inaugural global entrepreneurship award is an honour that resonates with so many people in Africa.

Tony Elumelu indicated that what our entrepreneurs in Africa need is powerful leadership to further energise, encourage and motivate them to transform the continent.

“I hope this will further spur on other Africans and friends of Africa, to make sure we work together for an inclusive prosperity,” he stated.

Elumelu dedicated his award to his wife and children as well as the staff of UBA, Transcorp, Heirs Holdings, the Tony Elumelu Foundation and all the other companies within his group of companies.