“I Didn’t Become Chairman Of UBA Because I Went To Best Schools” – Elumelu

Tony Elumelu, the serial entrepreneur making landmark investments here and there says he did not become the Chairman of UBA (United Bank for Africa ) and Transcorp (Transnational Corporation) because he wants to the best schools, and had wealthy parents.

UBA is the pan- African financial services group operating in operates in 20 countries across Africa, the United Kingdom, France, the UAE, and the United States of Africa while Transcorp is one of Nigeria’s largest quoted conglomerates with subsidiaries that include leading electricity supplier, Transcorp Power, and foremost hospitality brand – Transcorp Hotels.

Elumelu who fingered hard work, discipline, and sacrifice as major players in who he has become made the disclosure as an inspiration to young people over the weekend as a speaker at the Redeemed Christian Church of God TEAP Zone Teens Career Conference 2023.

“I didn’t become the Chairman of UBA Group and Transcorp Group because I had wealthy parents or I went to the best schools, or because I was the most intelligent in my state or country. Your circumstances today must not define your future.” the Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, his family-owned investment company, committed to improving lives and transforming Africa told his audience.

“Embrace hard work, discipline and sacrifice: I realized growing up that the way to get to the top is to go the extra mile. Tell yourself that there is no other way to get there if you don’t work hard. Have the discipline to say no to things that don’t serve you, and sacrifice now for future rewards. If you work hard, and are disciplined, you will get what you desire in life.” the prominent champion of entrepreneurship in Africa shared more telling tips on how the teens can reach their potential.

Warning against the danger in the allure of social media, the 60-year-old told his audience to “be careful about social Media – It is not everything you see on social media that is real. Do not be drawn in by its influence – it can be misleading at times. That is why discipline is extremely important in your life journey.”

Insisting on the need to be true to self, the founder of the leading philanthropy empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), pointed out that “there are so many distractions and influences in the world we live in. Over time, people start to doubt their identity and act in a manner that is alien to them. Don’t go against your values because you want to be perceived as “sociable”. Anyone who doesn’t accept you the way you are, should leave. “

The changemaker whose appearance was meant to inspire his audience to greater heights of glory also touched on the need for proper relationship between children and parents.

“Have a healthy relationship with your parents – Parents correct, they nurture, they teach in different ways and styles – all done out of love and most importantly, to help create a better society for all.” he charged the teens while urging parents to create the opportunity for dialogue with your kids and allow them to share their point of view”

Elumelu, who used his story as a businessman and father advocated the need for parents and children to learn from one another to achieve the next level.