African Messages at the heat of the GCC – Empowering Young Entrepreneurs, Embracing Africa’s Potential
Today, I was honoured to co-chair the New Africa Summit at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For the first time, FII featured a pre-Summit event dedicated to Africa, bringing together influential global investors and business leaders. The New Africa Summit focused on building bridges across
UNGA 79 Wrap Up: Africa’s Call for Partnership and Progress
The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York brings the world together. At a time of global crisis, it is easy for Africa’s voice to be lost or ignored. We came with strong messages. Messages that balance Africa’s need for global attention and partnership, but
From New York to Nigeria: Strengthening Partnerships to Tackle Hunger and Support Youth Entrepreneurship
Cindy McCain’s commitment to humanitarian work is truly inspiring. An immense pleasure to host her and the World Food Programme delegation again – this time in Nigeria, convening public and private sector leaders. Two weeks ago in New York, on the sidelines of #UNGA79, we united key stakeholders to address
Uniting to End Global Hunger: Our Joint Commitment with the World Food Programme at UNGA79
The United Nations General Assembly is a significant platform for world leaders to address critical challenges. Despite the cynicism, the politics, the posturing, things get done. It is important for Africa – a contemporary, self-confident, self-aware Africa – is seen and heard. I was glad to be there. Food Security
Africa at the UN General Assembly: Setting the Agenda
There is nowhere else in the world where you can reap from the kind of investments that Africa offers, where ambition can be realised and lives can be changed. However, I am acutely aware of the fundamental issues our continent faces. With over 60% of Africans lacking access to electricity, gender inequality persisting, and our youth – largely unemployed or underemployed and talent
Diary of TEF Impact – Benin Republic 2024
I traveled to Benin Republic this week, with a packed itinerary focused on strengthening partnerships, that drive economic growth across West Africa. During my visit, I had the opportunity to see three powerful ways we drive impact in Benin, in the programmes of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the Africapitalism impact
A Day In Benin Republic | Une journée au Bénin
My trip to Benin Republic affirmed once again my belief in Africa’s potential. First stop, Sèmè City. I addressed 100+ innovative, young African entrepreneurs, building the future of Africa, led by the CEO, Claude Borna. Sèmè City has been a longstanding partner of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, sharing our commitment
Diary of TEF Impact – Kigali 2024
In between my meetings in Rwanda, I took time to visit a 2016 Tony Elumelu Foundation beneficiary, Yvette Ishimwe, Founder of Iriba Water Group. Proud of Yvette’s innovative Water ATM in Kigali. The water ATM provides access to clean water for rural communities. With USD5,000 seed capital in 2016, Yvette
24 Hours in Senegal – 24 Heures au Sénégal
Last week, I visited Senegal, at the invitation of the President, H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Newly elected and one of the youngest leaders in Africa, our shared passion for youth empowerment and economic transformation was the foundation of great conversations. We swapped experiences, shared laughs – and I listened to
Celebrating Heirs Holdings At 14
Today marks a significant milestone, as we celebrate 14 years of excellence at Heirs Holdings Group. I wanted to share some reflections, as we look back at our achievements, and look forward, as we double down on our ambition: When one door closes, many others open. Fourteen years ago, my
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
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
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.
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 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
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
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
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.
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 –
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