About Billionaire Tony Elumelu’s Corporate Vibe At 59

BY FUNSHO AROGUNDADE 

Surely Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu is not your regular billionaire. The UBA Chairman understands the science of money and power. He knows how to make money and enjoy life to the fullest. At 59 —his birthday was on Tuesday March 22— Elumelu still got the vibes, drip and all. His stories on his social media handles say it all. 

Despite his status as a member of the upper crust, Elumelu doesn’t believe in pulling up the ladder behind him. From his humble origin, he has worked, thought and innovated his way to the top of the pile —and likely had some good luck along the way, too. So it’s unsurprising that he has been a fierce advocate of policies to promote opportunity.

For a stylish man who is legendary for elegant corporate suits, and blessed with quick mental gymnastics at the marketplace, yet Elumelu surely knows how to throw down. The Chairman of both UBA and Heirs Holdings has in the past shut down the social scene with creative high-octane parties, the likes of which are not in recorded history.

But on his birthday, Elumelu —who is often regarded by many as a visionary leader who has always sought ways to help inspire a generation across our continent— was hosted to a special birthday celebration in his honour by his appreciative staff.

Held at the Heirs Holdings headquarters in Lagos, there were creative birthday cakes from all the companies under his Heirs Holdings and UBA Group to usher their big boss into a new chapter.

Fast-rising singer, Michael Adebayo, popularly known as Ruger came through with a surprise performance for the billionaire investor on the occasion of his birthday.

On that same day, hundreds of his followers including some of his powerful friends took time out to celebrate the super philanthropist.

Oil mogul and Oando Chief, Adewale Jubril Tinubu took time out of busy schedule to hail his buddy and all his social media handles: “Today, I celebrate an inspirational leader. Your steadfast commitment to sustainable prosperity has changed the narrative for the positive transformation of the Continent. Wishing you many more transformative years. Happy Birthday Tony O. Elumelu.”

Former Delta State Commissioner, Oloroogun David Edevbie also hailed the entrepreneur. “I congratulate my dear brother and friend, Tony Elumelu CON, on the occasion of his 59th Birthday Anniversary. May happiness be yours on this special day and all the days of your life. Thank you for all you do to move our people forward.”

The banking tycoon was taken aback by the blizzard of well-wishing messages, the surprise birthday and the special performance in a response on his social media handles.

Elumelu elatedly wrote: “Another birthday celebration. Grateful for the kind wishes! Thank you all and also to my colleagues who threw a surprise birthday party for me at the office, with the biggest surprise of all which was a performance by Ruger.”  

For over two decades, the UBA Foundation —the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of UBA group— has been giving back and changing lives through initiatives that support education, empowerment and the environment on the African continent. 

His personal platform, Tony Elumelu Foundation, has been empowering young African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries. But the Heirs Holdings boss is not done yet as he’s taking his charity beyond the continent.

On Tuesday 8 March, Elumelu was at 10, Downing Street, Westminster to meet with the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, UK Special Envoy Helen Grant and the British powerhouse including MPs, Ministers, and leading global private sector leaders. 

His mission was to advance UK-Africa partnership and forge a new £11 million global partnership involving UBA Foundation and 10 other international firms, to improve girls’ access to education and employment in developing countries.

Following the success of his engagement with the British leaders at Westminster, Elumelu rounded off the afternoon with a visit to billionaire mogul, Femi Otedola’s Knightsbridge, London deluxe mansion for a light rendezvous. 

The two billionaires were a delight to watch as they both caught up with a good laugh on a sunny breeze of British capital. 

Prior to all these engagements, Elumelu, had on Saturday 5 March, let down his hair to have a nice time at The O2 Arena at music superstar Davido’s concert in company of his daughter, Oge, and two of Nigeria’s internationals and Leicester City FC stars —Kelechi Iheanacho and Ndidi Wilfred.