Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, was last Wednesday honoured with Per Second News 2017’s ‘Philanthropist of the Year’ award in recognition of his charitable service that has improved the lives of people of Africa.
This award recognizes an individual with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support to individuals, organisations and charities in Africa, demonstrates outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose generosity encourages others to take on philanthropic leadership roles on local, national and international level
Speaking at the event, Mr. Femi Soneye, publisher of Per Second News, said Mr Elumelu over the years demonstrated initiative and leadership qualities that stood out using his talents, treasures and time in a very strategic way.
“Philanthropy is dependent on the interest, passion, commitment, generosity and foresight of leaders like those we have honoured today. Never has such leadership been more important,” Mr. Soneye said, at the ceremony attended by top executive in the political, financial and media sectors
Elated by the award, Elumelu dedicated it to the beneficiaries of the Tony Elumelu Foundation who are changing lives across Africa.
In his words, “The Tony Elumelu foundation believes that the best way to eradicate poverty is through economic empowerment of citizens.
“That is why we are investing in entrepreneurship ideas across Africa through funding and mentorship support for start-ups, especially those conceived by young people
“We believe these young people can help achieve the dreams of the continent through opportunities creation if the right support is given to their business ideas,” he said.
According to him, the foundation has mentored 1,000 young entrepreneurs annually across the continent with seed grants to start up.
Elumelu added that the main target was to create 10,000 entrepreneurs in agriculture, manufacturing and others in the next 10 years, who were expected to create one million jobs across Africa.