The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has honoured Nigerian billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu with the Prize of Excellence for his contributions to the region’s growth.
The ECOWAS Prize of Excellence awarded during the Heads of State Summit in Abuja on Sunday, December 4, 2022, was in lieu of Mr Elumelu’s contribution to the socio-economic development of Africa, following the Members of the Jury’s deliberations from November 8th to 12th, 2022, in Abuja.
At the Heads of State Summit in Abuja, Nigeria, Tony Elumelu, the founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, was presented with the honour.
According to a statement from the Tony Elumelu Foundation, “This recognition is a result of Our Founder’s contribution to the promotion of regional integration, peace, and socioeconomic development across Africa.”
The award, which seeks to recognise excellence and honour individuals or legal entities who, through their activities, initiatives, creativity, and services, have immensely contributed to the promotion of regional integration, peace, and socio-economic development, was adopted in 2017 and is comprised of three categories: the Award for Science and Technology, Arts, and Literature (with three sub-categories, which are Science and Technology, Arts, and Literature); the Honorary Award for Eminent Persons; and the Award for Deserving Community Citizens who have been self-sacrificing. The former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, was a posthumous recipient of the award in 2019.
The award reiterates Heirs Holdings’ commitment to fostering a better and more prosperous world through strategic, long-term investments and the impact of the philanthropic activities of The Tony Elumelu Foundation.
The Elumelu Family pledged $100 million to support 10,000 African entrepreneurs over a ten-year period through investment, mentoring, and training, leading to the establishment of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
The stated objective is to generate over $10 billion in revenue for the African economy and at least 1 million new jobs.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) invites submissions each year from young Africans in 54 different African nations who want to receive $5,000 in startup money for their unique business ideas. The award’s 2022 cycle began in January 2022.
Heirs Holdings Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu C.F.R., recently received the 2022 ECOWAS Prize of Excellence for Deserving Citizens of the Community and the Chief of Army Staff Appreciation (COAS) Award on the 4th and 5th of December 2022, respectively.
