AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
NIGERIAN billionaire Tony Elumelu has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs across Africa through his empowerment programme, has been honoured.
The Belgium government has conferred on him the honorary distinction of the “Officer in the Order of Leopold’, which is the country’s oldest and most important national honour.
“I am humbled by this recognition of the work @TonyElumeluFDN in catalysing entrepreneurs across Africa and will continue to drive the economic empowerment of our brilliant young #Africanentrepreneurs to propel development in Africa,” Elumelu said.
Elumelu’s foundation – Heirs – said the conferment was in recognition of his commitment to poverty eradication and the economic empowerment of young Africans, as well as his commitment to improving lives through his business interests.
Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, CEO of Heirs Foundation said: “ We are proud of this recognition of the important work we do across the continent. Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we are empowering thousands of young men and women who are creating jobs in their communities, and in turn, providing daily means of livelihood for hundreds of thousands of families.
“Our entrepreneurs are proof that Africa is not limited in creativity or in drive; our youth are hardworking, resilient, and capable. We will continue to support their drive to realise the transformation of Africa. We are hopeful that this honour will translate to a new and stronger relationship between Africa and Belgium.”
The Ambassador of Belgium to Nigeria Daniel Bertrand, presented the royal decoration to Elumelu on Belgium’s King’s Day and a symbolic national day of celebration, at the Belgian House in Abuja.
