Elumelu Gets Dwight D. Eisenhower Global Entrepreneurship Award

Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman, United Bank for Africa Plc and Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc, on Monday, December 4, 2017, became the first African to be presented the prestigious Dwight D. Eisenhower Global Entrepreneurship Award.
The award was conferred on Elumelu, a promoter of the Africapitalism concept, in recognition of his outstanding work in promoting entrepreneurship across Africa and the globe through his Tony Elumelu Foundation, through which he has funded over 3,000 African entrepreneurs as part of his U$100m commitment to 10,000 entrepreneurs over a period of 10 years.
These entrepreneurs are expected to create a million new jobs and over U$D10 billion in revenue as a result of the initiative of Elumelu’s Foundation.
The award organisers, the Business council for International Understanding (BCIU), a non-profit U.S Business association dedicated to forging relationships and promoting dialogue between business and government communities across the globe, also presented the award to Bill Marriott, Chairman, Marriott International Inc.
Acknowledging Elumelu’s efforts at the award’s gala, former American President George W. Bush, said: “I am impressed with Tony’s philanthropic initiatives which are powering job creation and entrepreneurship in a region(Africa), that is very dear to Laura and me. To receive an award founded by President Eisenhower, has added meaning. Eisenhower provided example in leadership, which we can all learn from. Additionally, his belief in promoting international understanding is a vitally important responsibility.”
On why Elumelu was selected, Peter Tichansky, chief executive of BCIU applauded Elumelu’s bold approach and can-do mindset, which he described as “exemplary characteristics of a visionary entrepreneur.
“He embodies the idea that companies must take the lead in bringing business and society together. 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.”
Elumelu propounded the concept of Africapitalism, which essentially says Africa’s private sector must play a leading role in the development and growth of the continent, collaborating with governments.
After receiving the award from Kip Forbes and Anne Eisenhower (granddaughter of President Eisenhower) in New York, Elumelu noted: “President Eisenhower was a man of many dimensions and most important is his leadership. Being recognized today as a recipient of the inaugural global entrepreneurship award is an honour that resonates with so many people in Africa.
”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 other Africans and friends of Africa, to make sure we work together for an inclusive prosperity,” he added.
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.
He also thanked BCIU on behalf of entrepreneurs in Africa: “On behalf of the over 3000 entrepreneurs who have benefitted from the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship programme, I say thank you very much.”