The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) founder, Tony Elumelu, believes that eradicating poverty is the ultimate weapon against insecurity and extremism.
He said this in a series of tweets on Monday.
The billionaire businessman stated that it is critical for private sector leaders to play their roles in securing the country’s future.
Elumelu stated that his message was inspired by TEF’s actions. The TEF, he said has consistently supported young entrepreneurs through non-refundable grants.
He tweeted:
“In my engagement with fellow private sector leaders, my message is simple. We must see ourselves as the engine of innovation, the source of investment, and the creators of jobs. This is exactly what we have achieved at the @TonyElumeluFDN”
“When my wife Awele and I committed US $100 million to help democratise luck and empower our youth through TEF. We give annual non-refundable grant of $5,000 seed capital to each beneficiary, now received by over 18,000 young ones.
“It was not out of an abundance of wealth, rather it was our own contribution in spreading prosperity and making the world a better and safer place for all of us.
“Poverty anywhere is a threat to all of us everywhere. The ultimate solution for insecurity and extremism is the eradication of poverty and the abundance of prosperity.
“This is why all of us must think of legacy and play our own role and part now that we can. We need to urgently support our young ones to become economically engaged.”
Elumelu believes that private sector leaders working together will not only build the country but also inspire the entire black race.
The businessman has been outspoken about the role of the private sector in alleviating poverty in Nigeria.
In May, Elumelu urged investors and private-sector leaders to prioritise the power sector in order to create millions of jobs for the youth.
