The Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN) has felicitated the chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, on his diamond jubilee birthday, describing him as a selfless investor in Nigeria’s education sector.
The group, body of print, online, and broadcast journalists focused on reporting issues around education, innovations and entrepreneurship in Nigeria and beyond, said, with the corporate social responsibilities of various organisations led by the businessman, he has continued to prioritise education and entrepreneurship.
In celebration of his landmark birthday, EWAN presented a portrait to the philanthropist, urging him to do more, and “encourage his coterie of friends to also prioritise education in their support for humanity.”
According to the group, the presentation was done as part of the activities organised by the financial institution to welcome the new group head of marketing and corporate relations, Alero Ladipo.
Mrs. Ladipo was introduced to the media at a lunch organised by the media, where she received the gift on behalf of Mr. Elumelu.
EWAN was represented at the event by its chairman, Mojeed Alabi, and the education editor of The Guardian newspaper, Iyabo Lawal.
The EWAN chairman, Mr. Alabi, said no nation develops beyond the quality of its education sector, adding that, since successive governments have failed to invest adequately in the sector, “it is not out of place to look in the direction of private investors and philanthropists.”
Alabi said: “Whether through the Tony Elumelu Foundation or the UBA Foundation, Mr. Elumelu stands out as one with deep interest in the promotion of quality education and entrepreneurship not only in Nigeria but the continent of Africa.
“Journalism does not bar people from being appreciated when they do well, but without doubt the reasons for such appreciation must be well known. We believe it is in order to commend Mr. Elumelu’s investment in this all-important sector he has prioritised for support and encourages him to bring more selfless friends on board.”
He said without investing adequately in education, every other sector of national development couldn’t stand the test of time.
Meanwhile, the association also presented a congratulatory letter framed in a plaque to the bank’s Head of Media and External Relations, Ramon Nasir, who also marked his birthday recently.
Alabi said apart from his support for the association, Mr. Nasir’s recent return to his alma mater- Ado Odo High School, in Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State for a donation of a block of classrooms to mark his birthday is commendable and inspiring.