The Chairman, Board of Directors, United Bank for Africa Plc, Tony Elumelu, has been named among the “100 most Influential Africans of 2015.”

The list is published by the pan African magazine, New African, and presents Africa’s definitive power list and profiles the continent’s top game changers in the fields of politics, public office, arts and culture, business, civil society, technology, media and sports.

Also on the list are President Muhammadu Buhari and his predecessor, Dr.Goodluck Jonathan, who both made the list for the significant role they played in Nigeria’s 2015 general elections, which saw the first successful transfer of power from a ruling government to an opposition party.

Other Nigerians recognised include the Minister of Environment and former United Nations Special Advisor on Post Development Planning, Amina Mohammed; African Development Bank’s new President, AkinwumiAdesina; and the United Kingdom’s Member of Parliament and Labour Party leadership hopeful, Chuka Umunna; as well as the World Bank Vice President and Treasurer, ArumahOteh.

According to the Group Publisher, New African, Omar Ben Yedder, the list of ‘100 Most Influential Africans’ celebrates the “men, women and organisations that have shaped our beloved continent, the trail blazers, influencers and the rising stars who are redefining Africa’s future in the various spheres in which they operate.”

Explaining the selection of Elumelu as one of the most influential Africans, he said, “In this increasingly global and interconnected world, we need champions; those game changers who are making a difference, changing perceptions and shaping our definition of what is possible.

“This is why it is our honour to recognise you as one of the New African’s 100 most influential Africans 2015. We are so proud of everything you have accomplished.”