President Tinubu celebrates Tony Elumelu, Africa’s Business Icon on birthday

Cityscope, Lifestyle, Politics

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Mr Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu, renowned economist, banker, and philanthropist, on his birthday. In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu described Elumelu as an African business icon and a leading advocate of Nigerian and African enterprise.

Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and Transcorp, has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most influential business leaders. He is also the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has become a continental force for entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. Tinubu commended his resilience, excellence, and unwavering belief in Africapitalism—a philosophy that emphasises private sector-led development to transform Africa.

The President particularly lauded the Foundation’s entrepreneurship programme, which has trained 2.5 million young Africans across 54 countries and empowered over 24,000 entrepreneurs with non-refundable seed capital of $5,000 each. This initiative, Tinubu noted, reflects Elumelu’s deep commitment to investing in Africa’s future by equipping young people with the tools to innovate, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth.

“As Elumelu celebrates this special occasion, the President joins his family and friends to wish him good health, strength, and continued success in his pursuits,” the statement concluded.