Elumelu: Celebrating An Icon Of Success At 60

Late football legend, Pele once said, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”

On this note, the world celebrates Anthony Onyemaechi Elumelu as he marks 60. Elumelu has proven that consistency, hard work, and focus pay. No doubt, that the distinguished banker, economist, and philanthropist has brought honour and pride to Nigeria and Africa.

Elumelu wasted no time in his career path as he studied Economics at Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University) for his first degree before heading to the University of Lagos for his Masters degree in the same course.

His intentionality drove him to Union Bank for his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1985. He spread his wings further from being an employee at Allstates Trust Bank, to taking over a near-comatose Crystal Bank which he rechristened Standard Trust Bank (STB).

In 2005, Elumelu led one of the largest mergers in the Nigerian business landscape, birthing the acquisition of UBA, which he is presently the Group Chairman.

In 2015, Elumelu committed $100 million to create 10,000 entrepreneurs across Africa over the next 10 years through the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme. The Pan-African entrepreneurship initiative was designed to empower African entrepreneurs through a multi-year programme of training, funding, and mentoring.

Elumelu has continued to encourage youthfulness in style, and broadness in networking with both old and young.

On his auspicious occasion, we celebrate this great man who has been a mentor to many as he climbs the Sexagenarian ladder.