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Tony Elumelu, born in 1963 in Jos, was driven by a relentless determination and insatiable curiosity from an early age. Despite modest beginnings, he held aspirations that transcended the limitations of his hometown.With an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Tony secured admission to the esteemed University of Lagos. His tenure there served as a crucible for his emerging entrepreneurial spirit, delving deep into the realms of economics and business management. In 1997, Tony Elumelu’s entrepreneurial odyssey began as he spearheaded a consortium of investors to acquire a struggling Nigerian bank. Armed with strategic acumen and unyielding determination, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, metamorphosing the ailing bank into a flourishing financial powerhouse. Thus, the inception of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) stood as a testament to Tony’s visionary leadership and unwavering resolve. Just a year after completing his Master’s degree in Economics at the University of Lagos, Tony defied the odds by applying to join Allstates Trust Bank, despite not meeting the qualification criteria. Through a stroke of serendipity, the CEO stumbled upon Tony’s application letter and personally invited him for an interview. This chance encounter led to Tony securing the position.At the tender age of 26, Tony found himself entrusted with the remarkable responsibility of becoming a branch manager at AllStates Trust Bank, making him the youngest to hold such a role in the entire country at that time. This pivotal opportunity profoundly impacted Tony’s trajectory, instilling in him a fervent desire to extend similar opportunities to young talents.Tony’s ascent to prominence in the Nigerian banking arena was solidified when he achieved what seemed improbable. Initially a relatively obscure figure in the industry, he made waves by acquiring the struggling financial institution, Crystal Bank, and assuming the role of its CEO. This bold move not only garnered attention but also earned him and his cohorts the affectionate moniker of “the cowboys of banking.” At a daring 34 years old, Tony, the youngest banking CEO in the country, embarked on a transformative journey with Crystal Bank, rebranding it as Standard Trust Bank (STB). Armed with an aggressive strategy, he propelled STB from the shadows of obscurity to the forefront of the financial landscape, positioning it as Nigeria’s fifth-largest bank within a mere seven years.In 2005, Tony made history yet again by leading the largest merger in sub-Saharan Africa, combining Standard Trust Bank Plc with the established United Bank for Africa (UBA), then Nigeria’s third-largest financial institution. In less than a decade, he transformed UBA from a local bank to a pan-African powerhouse, serving millions across 20 African countries and expanding its reach to global financial centers like Paris, London, and New York. This cemented his reputation as a business turnaround expert and one of Africa’s most influential leaders.In 2010, Tony left UBA to establish Heirs Holdings (HH), an African investment firm focusing on key sectors like finance, hospitality, energy, and technology. He also founded The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) the same year, dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs through training and funding. HH and its portfolio employ over 30,000 people, while TEF has funded nearly 10,000 entrepreneurs and built a digital network of over one million Africans, illustrating Tony’s commitment to Africa’s growth and youth empowerment. In 2020, Tony Elumelu was recognized globally as one of Time100 Most Influential People in the World. He was also bestowed with Belgium’s highest national honor for his exceptional business leadership and dedication to empowering young Africans. Additionally, he was honored as one of “Africa’s 50 Most Influential Figures” by The Africa Report, solidifying his status as a prominent leader and advocate for African progress.Tony Elumelu is married to Awele Vivian Elumelu, and together they are blessed with seven children.

Xabi Alonso, born in November 1981 in Tolosa, Spain, is renowned for his exceptional kicking skills and powerful shots, making him a master of direct free kicks and long-distance goals. His precise passing abilities also distinguish him as a unique playmaker, greatly valued by both Real Madrid and the Spain national team. Hailing from a prestigious football family, Alonso’s father and brothers all pursued careers in professional football, with one brother even becoming a professional referee. With such a background, Alonso’s destiny in football was apparent from an early age. He honed his skills at the Real Sociedad football academy, debuting for the club in 2000. In 2004, Liverpool F.C. recruited Alonso for his talent, and he quickly established himself as a top-class player in his debut season. In 2009, amidst significant spending by Real Madrid, Alonso joined the club, contributing significantly to their success. In 2014, Alonso moved to Bayern Munich, marking a new chapter in his career.His coaching journey officially began in 2022 with Bayer Leverkusen, where he transformed the team from second-bottom in the standings to unbeaten in the 2023/24 season. Under Alonso’s guidance, Leverkusen secured their first Bundesliga title and advanced to the DFB Cup final and Europa League quarter-finals. His strategic vision and leadership have earned him recognition as one of football’s promising coaches.

Yinka Ash, born on January 7, 1995, originally known as Olayinka Ashogbon, epitomizes creativity and entrepreneurial spirit within Nigeria’s dynamic fashion sphere. Possessing an innate talent for design and an impeccable sense of style, He has emerged as a prominent figure in both the fashion industry and the business world. Originating from Nigeria, Yinka Ash’s influence extends far beyond his homeland, captivating audiences worldwide with his exceptional designs and astute business.Ash was born and bred in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, specifically in the vibrant neighborhood of Epe. Raised amidst the dynamic energy of Lagos, his father, a skilled structural engineer, and his mother, a dedicated English language lecturer and writer, instilled in him a deep appreciation for both creativity and academic rigor.Yinka Ash is multifaceted, a designer, artist, creative director and Founder of Ashcorp Luxury Projects Limited, the holding company for Ashluxe, Vertical Rave and Ashluxury. As a key opinion leader within his industry, he paves the way for young audacious creators who dare to leave a timeless mark on the global tapestry. Following his graduation from Caleb University, Ash embarked on his professional journey by starting as a personal shopper, specializing in sourcing and importing discounted clothing items from online platforms for resale. In a bold move in 2017, Ash took the entrepreneurial leap and established Ashluxury, a minimalist concept store situated in Lekki, Lagos. Alongside the physical store, he also launched an e-commerce platform catering to the burgeoning demand for luxury fashion items across Africa. Ashluxury swiftly gained recognition for its curated selection of international luxury brands, boasting an impressive inventory featuring renowned names such as Rhude, Adidas, Naked Wolfe, Nike, Kenzo, and Coperni.In 2022, Ash unveiled the Vertical Rave festival, a groundbreaking annual celebration intertwining music and fashion. The event quickly became a staple in the cultural calendar, captivating audiences with its innovative fusion of artistic expression. The subsequent year saw the launch of the Yinka Ash ART (YAART) Incubation Programme, a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the talents of young artists. Through comprehensive training and support, YAART aims to guide emerging artists on their academic journeys and beyond.In December of 2023, Ash made a significant mark in the fashion world with the launch of his debut fashion line, “Kalakuta Republic,” paying tribute to the indomitable spirit of Fela Kuti and the historical legacy of his Kalakuta Republic. This groundbreaking collection aspires to encapsulate the pulsating energy of Afrobeats while seamlessly integrating emerging cultural elements.Notably, the collaboration with the estate of Fela Kuti marked a pivotal moment, with Ashluxe becoming the first African brand to secure official licensing rights. The launch event, held in Lagos, Nigeria. Olayinka Ashogbon has firmly established himself as a formidable presence in the fashion industry, garnering recognition through prestigious awards and honors. His remarkable achievements have earned him a place among the industry’s elite. In 2022, Ash was honored to be named in Forbes’ Africa 30 Under 30 list, a testament to his remarkable talent and entrepreneurial acumen. The following year, he achieved another milestone by being inducted into the esteemed Business of Fashion (BoF) 500 class, an exclusive compilation of trailblazers shaping the global fashion landscape. Ash’s creative vision draws inspiration from various sources, notably 90’s clothing styles and the vibrant culture of rap and hip-hop. These influences permeate his designs, infusing them with a distinctive blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair.

Born on April 7, 1954, in Hong Kong, China, Chan Kong-sang, better known as Jackie Chan, was left behind by his parents when they moved to Australia for work. At the Chinese Opera Research Institute in Hong Kong, he underwent intense training in martial arts, drama, acrobatics, and singing for 10 years. Despite facing corporal punishment for poor performance, Chan persevered and developed into the iconic actor and martial artist known and loved worldwide.after graduating in 1971, Jackie Chan embarked on his career as an acrobat and movie stuntman. His breakthrough came with his work in “Fist of Fury” (1972), starring alongside the legendary Bruce Lee. Chan’s daring stunts, including reportedly executing the highest fall ever in Chinese cinema, earned him widespread acclaim and the respect of industry giants like Bruce Lee. At 19, in 1973, Jackie Chan landed his first significant role in ‘Little Tiger of Canton’. He later starred in ‘All in the Family’ (1975), marking his foray into comedy. Notably, this film featured Chan’s first nude scene. The shift from action to comedy stemmed from his earlier action movie disappointments. In 1978, Jackie Chan starred in ‘Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow’, a pivotal film in his career. Chan had creative control over staging his stunts, leading to its success. Notably, this movie established the comedic kung fu genre, captivating audiences in Hong Kong and beyond.Jackie Chan’s success continued with hits like “The Fearless Hyena” (1979), “Half a Loaf of Kung Fu” (1980), and “The Young Master” (1980), solidifying his star status. “The Young Master” marked his debut with Golden Harvest, Bruce Lee’s former production company and a leading studio in Hong Kong. Chan quickly rose to become the highest-paid actor in Hong Kong and achieved international stardom across Asia. He exercised complete control over his films, often overseeing production, direction, and even performing theme songs. In 1986, he formed his own production company, Golden Way. He also founded a modeling/casting agency, Jackie’s Angels, in order to recruit talent for his films. Additionally, after numerous stuntmen were injured during the filming of Police Story, the actor founded the Jackie Chan Stuntmen Association, through which he personally trained and provided medical coverage for its members Jackie Chan introduced his own comic book character in 1995, featured in “Jackie Chan’s Spartan X,” a series distributed in both Asia and the United States.In 2008, Jackie Chan voiced Master Monkey in the highly successful animated film “Kung Fu Panda,” which led to multiple sequels, a video game, and a TV series. Same year , he co-starred with fellow Chinese action star Jet Li in “The Forbidden Kingdom.”Jackie Chan has starred in numerous films and is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in the action movie industry. Throughout his illustrious career, Chan has been honored with numerous prestigious awards, cementing his status as a cinematic icon. Notable among his accolades are the Best Actor Award at the 1993 Golden Horse Film Festival for his performance in “Police Story 3: Super Cop,” the 2005 Golden Rooster Award for Best Actor for his role in “New Police Story,” and the Buttkicker Award at Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards in 2011 for his captivating portrayal in “The Karate Kid,” alongside Jaden Smith.In 2016 he won the Academy Honorary Award(OSCAR)Jackie Chan tied the knot with Taiwanese actress Lin Feng-jiao. Their union bore fruit of a boyJaycee Chan.

Damson Idris, born on September 2, 1991, in Peckham, South-East London, is a British actor of Nigerian descent. Initially passionate about football, he dreamed of a professional career in the sport but later realized it wasn’t feasible.Damson Idris hails from Nigerian parentage, with Philippa being his mother. Philippa is a single mother who raised all six of her children, including Damson, by herself.Damson Idris is the youngest in his family, with three older brothers and two older sisters, making a total of six siblings. Damson Idris pursued his interest in drama by enrolling at Brunel University in London, where he studied Film, Theater, and Television Studies. After completing his undergraduate degree, he furthered his training by attending London’s premier acting school.Damson Idris’s career found its foothold during his time at Brunel University, where he encountered actress Cathy Tyson. Inspired by Tyson’s guidance, he auditioned for a role in Ade Solanke’s play, Pandora’s Box, ultimately landing the part. This marked the beginning of his professional journey, leading him to sign with an agent and secure roles in various plays. Additionally, he trained at the Identity School of Acting, founded by Femi Oguns. After performing at the Royal National Theatre in London, Idris decided to venture into television and film, landing roles in prominent British series such as “Miranda” (2013), “Doctors” (2015).In 2016, Damson Idris landed his first significant film role in the British thriller “City of Tiny Lights,” alongside Riz Ahmed. Transitioning to American cinema, he made his debut in 2017’s “Megan Leavey” opposite Kate Mara. Idris also appeared as an FBI agent in the 2018 film “The Commuter” starring Liam Neeson. Another notable role was in “Farming,” a semi-autobiographical film directed by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, where Idris portrayed a character based on Akinnuoye-Agbaje himself. The film explores the experiences of Nigerian-British individuals “farmed out” to white families in the UK for a purportedly better life, with Kate Beckinsale playing his strict foster mother. Idris rose to prominence with his breakout role as Franklin Saint, a determined 19-year-old drug dealer in Los Angeles, in the FX crime drama “Snowfall.” Created by John Singleton, the series premiered in July 2017. Set against the backdrop of 1983, a period on the brink of the crack cocaine epidemic in the United States, “Snowfall” intricately intertwines the narratives of various characters whose lives become entangled due to the influence of drugs.Damson Idris is a highly talented actor who has showcased his remarkable skill through a diverse array of roles over the years.He has garnered a list of prestigious awards throughout his career, including: In May 2017, He won the “Emerging Talent Award” at the 12th Screen Nation Film and Television Awards, recognizing his high potential in the industry.In 2019, He clinched the coveted Award for Best Actor in a British Film.Damson Idris’s triumphs at the recent NAACP Image Awards with his role in ‘Snowfall.’ Winning the accolade for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series.Damson Idris has appeared in a variety of film and television productions, which includes:City of Tiny Lights”“Megan Leavey”“The Commuter”“Astral”“Farming”“Outside the Wire”“Surrogate Dad”“Snowfall”“Replay”“Black Mirror”“Swarm”