You must think long-term so that short-term failure doesn’t hold you down. No doubt, this is the abiding philosophy of respected banker and businessman, Tony Elumelu.
As an entrepreneur who made it to the top despite all odds, the Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa, UBA always thinks long term. Besides, Elumelu knows how rewarding taking a bold risk can be.
In 1997, the Delta State-born entrepreneur had led a small group of investors to take over a small, financially distressed commercial bank. A few years after, the bank became one of the top five banks in Nigeria, metamorphosing into UBA.
As of now, UBA has subsidiaries in 20 African countries, the United States of America and United Kingdom.
Ten years ago, he established the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), and four years into his philanthropy adventure, Elumelu used his earnings to make a bold pledge to commit $100 million to 10,000 African entrepreneurs in 10 years through the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, a Pan-African entrepreneur mentorship and training programme.
Today, the foundation has empowered over 9,000 people across Africa. Not yet sated, the 57-year-old Chairman of Heirs Holdings, in spite of the COVID-19 crisis changing the economic and business landscape, and wreaking economic disruption across the globe, is pitching investors to put their bets on the Africa’s economy.
In other words, Elumelu is advocating maximal use of the period to think outside the box-a message he has been telling the nearly 9,000 African entrepreneurs in his Entrepreneurship Programme.
“Necessity is the mother of invention.
We need to innovate. We need to keep thinking,” Elumelu says. While some see investing during the crisis as a gamble, Elumelu, who loves to lead by example knows how taking a bold risk can be rewarding.
Biased by this, Elumelu’s Heirs Holdings recently applied to the insurance industry regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to register two companies: Heirs Life Assurance Limited and Heirs Insurance Limited, respectively.
The applications, we gathered, had been treated based on the statutory provisions of the law for the registration and licensing of insurance companies, and have received necessary approvals from NAICOM.
Those who are aware of this intelligent businessman are already welcoming the Elumelu’s entrance into the insurance market, knowing that anything he touches turns into gold.
The Group Chief Executive of Oando Group Jubril Adewale Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to billionaire businessman and oil tycoon Tunde Folawiyo on the occasion of his 66th birthday, describing him as a distinguished figure whose influence continues to resonate across Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
In a warm and reflective message, Tinubu celebrated Folawiyo not only as a respected elder but as a man whose enduring legacy cuts across business, culture, sports, and the arts. His words captured the deep admiration Folawiyo commands within elite circles and beyond.
“Happy birthday to a great Egbon, Tunde Folawiyo,” Tinubu wrote. “Your impact has touched many corners of our national story—from business to culture, sport, and the arts. As you mark another year, I celebrate all you have accomplished, and the grace and consistency with which you have done it.”
The Oando boss further offered prayers for continued strength and fulfilment, expressing hope that the years ahead would bring even greater accomplishments and sustained good health for the celebrated industrialist.
Folawiyo, a scion of one of Nigeria’s most prominent business families, has long maintained a commanding presence in the corporate world, while also nurturing interests that extend into philanthropy and the preservation of cultural heritage. His measured approach to leadership and quiet philanthropy have earned him widespread respect as a man of substance and refinement.
As he marks this significant milestone, tributes have continued to pour in from across the country’s business and social circles, affirming his status as one of Nigeria’s most influential and admired figures.
In the glittering world of high society and corporate influence, moments of genuine pride and admiration rarely go unnoticed. Such was the case when oil magnate and business leader Jubril Adewale Tinubu stepped into the spotlight to celebrate a milestone achievement by his wife, Bola Tinubu who was recently honoured at the prestigious ARISE 100 Women of Impact in Africa Awards.
The award ceremony, organised by the media powerhouse ARISE News, brought together some of Africa’s most accomplished and influential women—leaders whose contributions have left a remarkable imprint across business, governance, philanthropy, and social development. Among this distinguished league stood Mrs. Tinubu, whose recognition reflects years of quiet excellence, commitment, and purposeful impact.
For the energy tycoon, the moment was deeply personal. Known across the continent as the driving force behind the energy giant Oando Plc, the businessman is often celebrated for his boardroom brilliance and strategic leadership. Yet, beyond the corporate boardrooms and global energy deals, he was simply a proud husband applauding the achievements of the woman who stands beside him.
Taking to social media shortly after the ceremony, Tinubu shared a touching tribute that resonated with many who admire the couple. His message was simple but heartfelt, capturing the essence of admiration and partnership. Referring to the moment as a “proud husband moment,” he congratulated his wife on the prestigious honour and praised the significance of the recognition.
The ARISE Women of Impact Awards have increasingly become one of the continent’s most respected platforms for celebrating female excellence. The initiative highlights women whose work continues to shape industries, inspire communities, and redefine leadership across Africa. For the woman , being counted among this elite group places her firmly within a circle of changemakers whose influence transcends titles and accolades.
Observers at the event noted that her recognition was not merely ceremonial but well deserved. Over the years, she has cultivated a reputation for grace, professionalism, and dedication to meaningful causes—qualities that have earned her admiration within Nigeria’s social and professional circles.
For those who know the Tinubus, the public celebration was hardly surprising. The couple has long embodied a partnership built on mutual respect, shared ambition, and unwavering support for each other’s pursuits. While Tinubu continues to command attention in the energy sector, his wife has quietly carved out her own path of distinction.
The quiet, steady influence of a woman who commands respect without seeking the spotlight shone brightly on that memorable evening reminding many that true influence often speaks in the calmest of voices.
Beyond her professional accomplishments and social standing, the intelligent lawyer nine years ago, translated her deep concern for child protection into action with the launch of the Cece Yara Foundation, an organisation dedicated to protecting children from abuse and giving young victims a safe platform to speak out against injustice.
Over the years, the foundation has become a powerful voice in the fight against child abuse in Nigeria, offering support, counselling and advocacy for vulnerable children. Through its initiatives, many young victims have found both protection and hope.
Through these initiatives, she has continued to demonstrate that her influence goes far beyond society circles. Her commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society has made her not only a respected figure in elite circles but also a beacon of hope for countless children and families across the country.
In a society where achievements are often measured in grand gestures and headlines, moments like this serve as a reminder that recognition carries deeper meaning when it is celebrated by those closest to us.
For the GCEO of Oando Group, the award was not just another accolade on the social calendar—it was a powerful reminder that behind every remarkable woman is a story of dedication, resilience, and a partner proud enough to celebrate her success before the world.
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