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The UBA Visionary: Tony Elumelu’s Impact on Banking and Beyond

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Tony Elumelu is a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, widely recognized for his transformative impact on Africa’s banking sector and his efforts to foster entrepreneurship across the continent.

As Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Elumelu has significantly influenced business leadership and economic growth in Africa.

Tony Elumelu

Elumelu’s career breakthrough came when he led a small group of investors to take over the struggling Crystal Bank in 1997, which later became Standard Trust Bank (STB). His leadership turned it into one of Nigeria’s top banks within a short period. In 2005.

He orchestrated one of the largest mergers in Sub-Saharan Africa, combining STB with the United Bank for Africa (UBA). This move transformed UBA into a pan-African financial institution with operations in 20 African countries and offices in global financial centers like New York, Paris, and London.

At UBA, Elumelu played a key role in broadening access to financial services across Africa, positioning the bank as a leader in promoting economic inclusion. Beyond banking, his vision extends through Heirs Holdings, a family-owned investment company with interests in various sectors, including energy, healthcare, hospitality, and financial services.

Elumelu’s philanthropic efforts are primarily channeled through the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), which focuses on empowering African entrepreneurs. Through initiatives like the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, he has provided training, mentoring,

and funding to thousands of young entrepreneurs, fostering job creation and innovation on a large scale. This program has supported over 18,000 African businesspeople and created hundreds of thousands of jobs since its inception in 2015.

As a thought leader, Elumelu champions “Africapitalism,” a philosophy advocating for the private sector’s role in driving economic and social development in Africa. This belief underscores his leadership style, which combines business success with social impact.

Through his journey, Tony Elumelu has received numerous accolades, including being named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world and receiving national honors in Nigeria. His influence continues to shape the future of business and leadership across the continent.

Read next article:

The Entrepreneurial Journey of Ehizogie Ogbebor

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Actress

What You Need To Know About The Star: Bambam Olawunmi

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Actress Bamike Olawunmi

Bamike Olawunmi, popularly known as Bambam is a Nigerian reality TV star and an actress. She is the wife of a singer and actor, Tope Adenibuyan. She is known for her exceptional roles in Inspector K, Backup Wife and Foreigner’s God. When talking about a Nigerian actress with class and gold flair for all she does, BamBam is the one for you.

 

Early Life And Education.


 

 

Bamike was born in Lagos on April 23, 1989 in Nigeria and schooled in Nigerian Navy Primary School, Apapa, La Folie St. James, Paris, France The Bells University, Ota, The Royal Film Academy.

She got into the movie industry when she came to Lagos from Abuja in 2017 and enrolled at the Royal Arts Academy. While in school, She featured in her first movie titled, The Backup Wife, by Uduak Isong, where she acted alongside Seun Akindele and Bimbo Ademoye.

 

Career.

Bambam Olawunmi

 

Bambam was picked after her second trial at the Big Brother Naija TV reality show audition. In 2017, she did the first audition at Abuja and the second one that took her to Big Brother Naija house was done in Lagos in 2018. Bambam started her acting career in 2017 when she was still a student of the Royal Arts Academy. Since then she has featured in quite a number of movies including ‘Inspector K’, ‘Backup Wife,  ‘Foreigner’s God’ and Many others.

 

Awards.

Bambam Olawunmi

 

Bbnaija Star and spotlight Bambam Olawunmi was awarded in 2018 by the City People Movie Awards with a recognition award.

The same year 2018, the actress went ahead to get honoured and recognised by the former President of Nigeria’s wife, The Aisha Buhari Award for contribution to entertainment industry.

 

Family Life.

Actress Bambam and family

 

Bambam married Tope Adenibuyan, her roommate in the Big Brother Naija house.  Their traditional wedding took place on 7 September 2019 in Ogun state while the white wedding took place in Dubai, UAE on 16 November 2019.

Bambam and her husband have two children. BamBam’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. This wealth has come from her various ventures in acting, brand endorsements, her beauty business, and influencer marketing.

She’s managed to build a successful career in a relatively short period, becoming one of the most influential women in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

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Celebrity Bios

Here is what you should know about Kunle Remi.

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Kunle Remi not only captivates his audience with his acting talent but also shines in the fashion industry.

Early life and education.

Kunle Remi

Kunle Remi, whose full name is Oyekunle Opeyemi Olaremi, was born on October 18 in Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. His family moved to Ibadan during his childhood. He developed a love for acting early on and became a youth drama teacher.

He studied fisheries and wildlife management at the University of Ibadan in Oyo State, Nigeria. Later, he attended Sheffield University for Tourism and Hospitality Management.

After completing his degrees, he moved to New York City to study acting, filmmaking, and directing at the New York Film Academy, graduating in 2014.

Early work.

Kunle Remi

Kunle Remi began his professional acting career in 2011 after winning Gulder Ultimate Search 2010. His first appearance on screen was in the 2012 film Heavy Beauty. In 2024, he started performing stunts in K-pains: The Fresh of Souls.

In 2015, he secured roles in short films like Sister’s Keeper, Sting, and Hex, and appeared in the TV series The Getaway as Oliesh. His major breakthrough came with the film Falling, where he portrayed a husband who falls into a coma after a tragic event.

Career.

Kunle Remi

In 2016, Kunle Remi featured in two TV series. The first, Lincoln’s Clan Evolution, tells the story of a Nigerian billionaire and his family, where he played Eric until 2017. The second series was Tinsel, Nigeria’s longest-running soap opera, which started filming in 2008.

In 2017, he played Lolu in Tiwa’s Baggage, a story about a woman abandoned with a child. On July 24, the film Alter Ego was released. Written by Jude Martins, it follows a lawyer who fights for justice against sex offenders, and it was nominated for Best Film with Social Messages and Best Production Design at the Best of Nollywood Awards.

In 2022, Kunle Remi took on roles in several projects, including Saint Oyinda, Borrowed Wealth, Treasury, the TV series Deserted, and Anikulapo. He wrapped up the year with the crime thriller Woke, which premiered on November 4.

TV Hosting.

Kunle Remi

While studying at the New York Film Academy, Remi hosted for an online TV channel called Celebville 360. His first major appearance was in 2013 when he reported live from the Academy Awards nomination event in Beverly Hills, California.

After a break, he returned to hosting in 2021 for Gulder Ultimate Search Season 12 alongside Toke Makinwa. The next year, he co-hosted the green carpet for the 2022 Glo Dance Battle of the Year with Moet Abebe. This show aired every Saturday and Sunday for 10 weeks starting August 6.

He also served as a judge on Dance Naija Dance by Zee World, working with Sashin Kandhaj, Kenneth Agabata, Uraysha Ramrachia, and hosts Daniel K Daniel and Pelumi Busari. On December 21, he shifted back to hosting and led the Fuze Talent Hunt.

Modeling.

Kunle Remi

Kunle Remi started his modeling career with ISIS Models at 24. He has appeared in advertising campaigns for brands such as Airtel (formerly Zain), Arise Magazine, DSTV, MTN Nigeria, The Reele Magazine, and Diamond Bank (now Access Bank).

Personal Life.

Kunle Remi and his wife

In December 2022, Remi opened up about his struggles with depression, sharing how challenging his journey as an actor has been. On January 1, 2024, he married his girlfriend Tiwi and announced it on his Instagram.

Future Projects.

Kunle Remi

Remi co-founded 1810 Empire Studios in 2012, which was previously known as 7th Media Entertainment. He also established Men Against Rape and Violence (MARV), a social initiative aimed at raising awareness about the effects of sexual assault on men, women, and youth through visual storytelling.

Filmography.

In 2015, he played the role of Imoh in Falling.

In 2016, he played the role of Greg in Any other Monday.

In 2017, he played the role of Lolu in Tiwa’s Baggage.

In 2018, he played Jide in Stronger Together.

In 2019, he took on the role of Phil in Sin City.

In 2020, he was Gboyega in Mama Drama.

In 2021, he portrayed James Kokori in Hide N Seek.

In 2022, he acted as Saro in Anikulapo.

In 2023, he played Muyiwa in Untamed.

In 2024, he will be Philip in Shining Stars.

Awards and Nominations.

Kunle Remi

In 2019, he won Best Supporting Actor at the Best of Nollywood Awards.

In 2022, he received the Best Cinema Actor award at the Yoruba Movie Gist.

In 2023, he was honored as Best Actor in a Feature Film at the Cine Paris Film Festival.

In 2024, he earned the Nollywood Trailblazer award at the Silverbird Man of the Year event.

Kunle Remi’s journey shows the importance of hard work, determination, and passion.

As he continues to excel and expand his skills, he inspires many aspiring actors and shines brightly in the Nigerian entertainment scene.

Read also: Fashion Kunle Remi’s top five stylish outfits for men’s fashion inspiration.

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Celebrity Bios

Meet Uche Montana: The Rising Star And Brand Influencer

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Uche Montana: The Nigerian actress and brand influencer lighting up Nollywood with her talent and charm.

Uche Nwaefuna, popularly known as Uche Montana, is a Nigerian actress, brand influencer, and content creator making waves in Nollywood and the entertainment industry at large. With her magnetic screen presence and unique storytelling ability, she has captured the hearts of many.

She is popularly known for her charisma, style, and dedication, Uche Montana is steadily carving out her place as one of the most promising talents in the African entertainment scene.

 

Uche Montana Nigerian Actress

Uche Montana Nigerian Actress

The Abia State-born actress has been celebrated for her appearances in several blockbuster movies and her influence as a brand ambassador for top-tier companies in Nigeria.

 

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

Uche Montana was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, where she developed a love for storytelling and acting at a young age. She attended Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and completed a diploma in law.

She comes from a close-knit family that nurtured her creativity and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Her journey into Nollywood reflects her resilience, hard work, and natural talent, which have propelled her to prominence.

Uche Montana Nigerian Actress

Uche Montana Nollywood Actress

CAREER

Uche Montana’s acting career officially began in 2015 when she made a debut in a Nollywood movie, Poison Ivy. Since then, she has starred in the African Magic Series, Hush, The Fake Life of Abuja Housewives, and Hire a Woman, amongst many others.

Since then, Uche has featured in a string of successful movies, earning her recognition as a versatile actress who can take on diverse roles. Her ability to embody complex characters with authenticity and grace has made her a favorite among directors and audiences alike.

Uche is also a sought-after brand influencer, collaborating with renowned companies to promote products and services that align with her values. Her influence extends beyond the screen, making her a role model for young women across Africa.

MOVIES

Uche Montana Nigerian Actress

Uche Montana : Actress

Some of Uche Montana’s most notable works include:

Three Wise Men (2017)

Liars and Pretenders (2018)

Lagos Real Fake Life (2018)

Pandora’s Box (2019)

Seven (2019)

Camouflage (2020)

Try Again (2021)

Shattered (2021)

Baby Bump (2022)

Teni’s Big Day (2023)

Better Half (2023)

The Silent Intruder (2024)

Hello Pot (2024)

The Betrayed (2024) and so many more.

These films highlight her range as an actress, from romantic dramas to intense thrillers, solidifying her as a star to watch in Nollywood.

 

Also see: Meet Sophie Alakija: Nigerian Actress, Model, And Entrepreneur.

 

TELEVISION FEATURES

Uche Montana Nigerian Actress

Uche Montana

Uche Montana has appeared in several TV interviews, red carpet events, and entertainment shows where she shares insights into her career and life. She has also been a guest on top programs discussing Nollywood’s evolution and the role of women in storytelling.

Her presence on television extends to award shows, where she has presented awards and performed as a co-host, demonstrating her multifaceted talents.

PHILANTHROPY

Uche Montana is passionate about giving back to society. She has supported initiatives aimed at empowering young women, particularly in the areas of education and skill acquisition.

Through her platform, she has donated to causes that promote education and gender equality and often uses her voice to advocate for social change.

 

AWARDS

Uche Montana Nigerian Actress

Uche Montana

While her career is still blossoming, Uche Montana has already garnered accolades, including:

Winner: The Moreklue All Youth Awards

Nominee for Best Supporting Actress (2018)

Winner: Best Actress in TV Series (Hush) (2018)

Uche Montana Nigerian Actress

Uche Montana Nigerian Actress and Brand Influencer

Uche Montana continues to blaze a rail in Nollywood with her exceptional acting skills, vibrant personality, and dedication to her craft. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and young women looking to make their mark in the world.

With her growing portfolio of movies, influential brand partnerships, and philanthropic endeavors, Uche Montana is not just a star on the rise but a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.

Her story is proof that talent, hard work, and a clear vision can lead to extraordinary success, and there is no doubt that her legacy in Nollywood will shine brightly for years to come

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