By Sonia Odita
The Elumelu Brothers; Tony and Ndudi Elumelu were among several eminent personalities bestowed with the coveted National honour.
While the Tony bagged the award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), his brother, Ndudi was honoured with the Officer of the Order of Niger (OON).
The duo, regarded as icons have paid their dues in Industry and Politics. While Tony has become a phenomenon in Africa’s business and financial landscape, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has gradually risen in politics to become the Minority Leader of Nigeria’s House of Representative.
The award on the duo on same day is a testimonial of their industry and hard work spanning over three decades.
Tony Elumelu, a philanthropist and business mogul, is the Chairman of United Bank of Africa and Heirs Holdings. He is also the founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation.
He recently advocated for the world to consider Africa’s energy poverty and attendant underdevelopment and allow the continent to use its God-given hydrocarbon resources to industrialise and tackle its social, economic challenges as the developed countries did.
He also opined that Africa’s focus in the current global campaign for energy transition, driven by climate change crisis, must be on providing energy for its citizens from both traditional and green sources.
His younger brother, Rt. Hon Elumelu swiftly distinguished himself in Nigeria’s political space and has now become a respected voice in the green chamber of Nigeria’s parliament.
The reception for the award on them which was attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala amongst others was held in Abuja.