Buhari Hails As Tony Elumelu Named In 2020 Time 100 Most Influential People

Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank of Africa (UBA) and renowned philanthropist, has been named among Time Magazine International 2020 100 most influential people in the world.

The TIME 100 list which is now in its seventeenth year, recognises the activism, innovation, and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals.

Elumelu was among two other Nigerians on the 2020 list released by TIME on Wednesday.

The other two Nigerians include Tomi Adeyemi and Tunji Funsho.

The UBA CEO was recognised as one of Africa’s leading investors and philanthropists for his achievements in business, industry and development not only in Nigeria in particular, but also in Africa in general.

Congratulating Elumelu, in a statement issued by the Presidency on Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari commended “Elumelu’s vision of Africapitalism, which espouses that Africa’s private sector must play a leading role in the continent’s development through long-term investments, entrepreneurship, and regional connectivity.

The President added that “it was just a matter of time before such caught global attention”.

“President Buhari says Elumelu’s commitment to the development of African youths, whom he has given a voice and empowerment, investing $5,000 in 1,000 young entrepreneurs per year across 54 countries, pedestals him as a visionary, with milk of human kindness, “and such, among others, must have qualified him for the Time Hall of Fame,” the statement further reads.

“The President wishes Elumelu greater successes on all fronts, and recommends his strides to other high networth people.”