Turning Fear into Ambition: Insights from my Personal Journey
Last week, at our quarterly induction session for new hires of Heirs Holdings Group, a new staff member asked me a question: “What are your fears?” It made me look back, think how my instincts, my perceptions and indeed my fears had changed over my life. Our fears evolve with our aspirations. Over time, my […]
Promoting Peace in Africa
Insecurity and insurgency undermine Africa’s economic development. When people fear for their lives, when they cannot plan for their futures, when they cannot move freely or safely, or protect their goods, they cannot be entrepreneurs. All the issues associated with insecurity, such as food security, migration, and inadequate infrastructure, stifle our continent’s progress and pose […]
My Financial Times Feature
“He has transcended the business world in a way that none of his Nigerian peers has.” – Financial Times. I was recently interviewed by the Financial Times, where I discussed my journey advocating for Africapitalism, the impact of imperialism on Africa, and why I decided to enter the oil industry. This conversation goes deep into […]
14-Years of Transformation and Excellence at Heirs Holdings
In June this year, we brought together over 100 directors from Heirs Holdings Group companies, at our iconic Transcorp Hilton. 23 companies were present; 7 critical sectors; global companies and young startups; and our philanthropy, the Tony Elumelu Foundation. We discussed governance, institutionalisation, future strategy, but we also took time to consider our legacy and […]
To Our Future Leaders: Four Guiding Pillars of Success
Last week, I addressed the 2024 graduating class of Bridge House College, Ikoyi. Entering the hall, catching the anticipation on those faces, it took me back to my childhood. I grew up with limited means and few privileges, my mum was an entrepreneur, running a restaurant, but there was love and an abundance of optimism. […]
2023: A landmark year for UBA
This year marks a defining chapter for us at UBA – celebrating a landmark anniversary, superlative financial results, and remarkable impact across Africa and beyond. Earlier this week, we formally announced the kick-off of our 75th anniversary celebrations and recognition of the numerous innovations pioneered by UBA. Today, at the 62nd UBA Annual General Meeting […]
Building to Last: Celebrating Milestones and Transformation
Today marks a very proud moment in our journey of growth, value creation, and transformation.Celebrating UBA’s 75th anniversary and Transcorp Power’s Annual General Meeting, the first since listing on the Nigerian Exchange. These are two significant milestones in our journey of building lasting legacies and upholding exceptional corporate governance. Creating African institutions, driven by African […]
Leadership Lessons – From 47,000 Feet
The future of Africa lies in the hands of our youth. I am constantly amazed by the young disruptors I meet. Take Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, who leads Flutterwave, one of Africa’s fintech unicorns. We met recently at a conference in India, where he invited me to speak with his employees. Yesterday on a flight from […]
Worker’s Day: Recognition and Reward for our HH People
Worker’s Day this year made me reflect. It has been a tough year – and we know things are not getting easier. The Group has made great strides – but our success is more than just figures, it is the success of all of us. We are a family – and I know the challenges […]
Take Off! Six Insights from the 2024 UBA GMAP Graduation Ceremony
Last week, I led the induction with UBA’s newest cohort of graduate trainees – our GMAP Class of 24! I love these sessions, I meet new members of our UBA-Tribe, I hear their stories, answer their questions and welcome them to our Group. I vividly recall starting my career as a trainee. I had ambition, […]