Fakoyejo OlalekanThe beneficiaries of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) from different parts of Africa had a lot say to about the Nigerian businessman who clocked 60 years on Wednesday, 22 March 2023.
Elumelu was showered with encomium by beneficiaries of TEF from Benin, Zambia, and Congo, amongst others, as he joined the Diamond club.
During a symposium held for Elumelu on Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer of SoClean, a laundry service, Sadiq Gbadamosi, from Benin, said in 2019, he was washing clothes with his hands.
But following his selection and participation in TEF, he was supported with capital that has led to the growth of his business and made him an employer of labour.
Speaking at the symposium, Gbadamosi said: “I started that adventure in 2019 with a capital of CFA50,000 borrowed by my mother. At that time, I just used to wash with my hands, I had no machine, no staff.
“But in 2019, I first applied for the TEF programme, I was not selected. In 2020, I applied again, but due to COVID, it was postponed. In 2021, I still tried my chance and that year, I was selected. That year, I was selected with my brother.
“I will like to thank you because, thanks to the financing, I was able to acquire more materials, get a more suitable space and recruit more people.
“And thanks to the training we take through the journey, we are able to define our strategies, I’m happy to tell you that our sales have tripled.
“And all these will not be able without the foundation and without you, Mr. Tony Elumelu. So I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you very much for what you do for African youths.”
Also disclosing the contribution of TEF in her entrepreneurial career was Monica Domingo from Zambia, a beneficiary of the 2019 Tony Elumelu Foundation seed capital.
Domingo said: “My business is currently employing 21 young men and women who are taking care of families. These are breadwinners.
“Through the Elumelu foundation, our business gained investor confidence. We’ve signed new contracts, and for that, we like to say thank you. May the sun keep shining on you.”
Meanwhile, Gloria from Congo said despite facing challenges after being selected as the beneficiary of TEF due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, the training she received from the foundation has taught her to be resilient.
Gloria, who is a fashion designer said she previously closed down, but she’s preparing to reopen, as the capital from the foundation was used to equip her business and start providing professional tailoring for people.
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