TIME Magazine has named three Nigerians among the 100 most influential people in 2020
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The Nigerians named are the Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu, former cardiologist Tunji Funsho and Tomi Adeyemi
The Magazine usually releases names of the 100 most influential people in the world in areas of activism, innovation among other achievements.
Elumelu, has been at the fore front of the empowerment of young Africans through the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
The entrepreneur launched the foundation in 2010 which has so far funded about 10,000 young entrepreneurs across Africa.
Nigerian doctor Tunji Funsho made the list for his role in the eradiction of polio in the country.
Times said, “The person who did more than any other to drive polio to continent-wide extinction was Dr. Tunji Funsho, a former cardiologist and now the chair of Rotary International’s polio-eradication program in Nigeria.”
Nigerian- American Adeyemi who also made the list is the author of the New York Times best seller Legacy of Orïsha trilogy of which two of the books are out including Children of Blood and Bone and Children of Virtue and Vengeance.
Speaking on his nomination, Elumelu said, “Not every day do you wake up to this – honoured to be named in 2020 Time100 from TIME.
“This has been a tumultuous year for all of us – challenging, humbling, and forcing us all to reflect. Why am I there?”
He said imbalance and the uneven access to opportunity for entrepreneurs in Africa ignited his 2015 $100m commitment to empowering African entrepreneurs.
He added, “Our rejection of the status quo propelled us to fund, mentor and train 10,000 entrepreneurs and counting.
“African entrepreneurs deserve the global spotlight today and every day after. This is a great day – I am proud, thankful, touched – thanks TIME.”