Today, during a courtesy visit to the Governor of his native Delta State, Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Founder and President of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony O Elumelu, CON has pledged N500 million to create an exclusive entrepreneurship program for natives of the state. He made this commitment after presenting 50 beneficiaries of the TEF Entrepreneurship Program to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
"Your Excellency, on behalf of the Heirs Holdings Group, we will work with your office to put in place a new program of support to young people from the Delta State and I committed N500m to this goal, "said Elumelu." Indeed, hearing about your commitment to our young people and the impressive work you have done in the world. State, I am proud to call you my governor and that makes me even more proud of my condition. "
congratulated Mr. Elumelu for the work of his foundatio n, noting that TEF's recent collaboration with French President Emmanuel Macron demonstrates the level of recognition and worldwide prestige that the Foundation has received:
"You have not limited the impact of your Foundation Delta, or even Nigeria, you have empowered 4000 across Africa. What you do, my brother gives hope to others, who in turn will help change the narrative of our country and our continent and influence the people around them. You change the narration of the gift – not just giving, but also skills and mentoring. Over the next ten years, the impact of Tony Elumelu Foundation will be truly transformational – the multiplier effect will be huge. The whole country should support and think positively in this same direction. "
He continued: "I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage our brothers, our sons, our daughters and our fathers if we can do that kind of positive impact we see with the Tony Elumelu Foundation. This will help us reduce reluctance and create jobs so we have young people who are not just job seekers but job creators.
The event was marked by the sharing of successful experiences between Foundation Recipients and beneficiaries of the various wealth development programs and the entrepreneur of the administration of the Governor Okowa. Zion Oshiobugie, a prominent Delta State scholar and former student of the TEF program, confided that:
"I've already been a house boy, thinking of committing suicide when I've lost my job. When I started my business, I always asked for guarantees, but Mr. Elumelu did not ask me that an idea with a potential for transformation. Today, I run a school that provides quality education to those who need it most. I am proof that with the money and training of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, dreams can come true.
The TEF Entrepreneurship program is Tony Elumelu's $ 100 million commitment to identify, train, coach and fund 10,000 entrepreneurs in Africa. . Since its fourth year of existence, the program has enabled 50 entrepreneurs from Delta, 251 from the Niger Delta region and 1,862 Nigerians in all. Combined with this new $ 500 million commitment, Elumelu's total investment in Nigerian entrepreneurs has reached 4.4 billion nairas since 2015.
About the Tony Elumelu Foundation
Founded in 2010, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is the leading philanthropy in Africa that champions entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs across the continent. The long-term investment of the Foundation in empowering African entrepreneurs is emblematic of Tony Elumelu's philosophy of African capitalism, which positions the African private sector, and especially entrepreneurs, as a catalyst for social and economic development of the continent. The Foundation's flagship initiative, the TEF Entrepreneurship Program, is a $ 100 million, 10-year commitment to identify, train mentors and fund 10,000 entrepreneurs who can change the face of business in Africa. http://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org @tonyelumeluFDN