The Ivorian National Council of Employers, General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI) presented African businessman and investor, Tony Elumelu, with its 2016 CGECI Lifetime Achievement Award on April 21, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The formal presentation was to honour Elumelu on his leadership and key role as an African business champion. The event was attended by over three thousand delegates across Africa, including top government officials, business leaders, established and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Addressing guests at the event, Elumelu, who is Chairman of Heirs Holdings, UBA Plc and Transcorp Plc, delivered a keynote speech where he advocated for the collaboration of the private and public sectors to create value in the global competitive business landscape.

He said SMEs are the backbone of any economy anywhere in the world.