By Uche Usim
Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr Tony Elumelu, on Wednesday assured Nigerians and Africans in general that strategic plans were afoot to tackle poverty and generate widespread prosperity for the people, using the young population as a great incentive.
He gave the assurance at the 14th anniversary celebrations of Heirs Holdings in Lagos.
Elumelu’s pledge resonated as a clarion call to other stakeholders; governments, private sector leaders, and international partners, to join forces in the collective effort to eradicate poverty and unlock Africa’s true potential. He affirmed that by working together, the dream of a prosperous, self-sufficient Africa, where wealth is not the privilege of a few but the right of all, can become a reality.
Elumelu, who has long been a champion of entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, assured that Heirs Holdings remains steadfast in its dedication to transforming the socio-economic landscape of the continent.
“Our vision goes beyond profit; it is about creating lasting value. It’s about Africapitalism.
“We are committed to harnessing the immense potential within Africa, empowering individuals, and building sustainable wealth that reaches every corner of the continent.”
The chairman’s remarks highlighted the strategic initiatives and investments being undertaken by the conglomerate to uplift communities, foster job creation and stimulate economic growth. From energy to financial services, healthcare to hospitality, Heirs Holdings is strategically positioned to make a significant impact in key sectors that are vital to Africa’s development.
Elumelu urged entrepreneurs and the broader Africans to remain focused, determined and resolute to trudge through the current scathing economic conditions.
While calling for a united front in pursuit of a bold and transformative vision for Nigeria, the Heirs Holdings Chairman recalled how a policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which mandated commercial bank CEOs who have stayed 10 years on the saddle, turned out a driving force that crystallised the vision which birthed the conglomerate.
He said: “When one door closes, many others open. Convert your fears to hope and hope to ambition. If we wept over that CBN policy that asked bank CEOs to step aside after 10 years, we wouldn’t be here.
“Don’t give up in life. Keep hope alive. Work hard.
If you look at our achievements, it’s a collective effort. I didn’t do it alone. It came from great men and women we have professionally assembled. The best in class. They run with the vision. Leaders should focus on assembling a great team. Sanction, motivate and lead. Prioritise people. Be professional. Share the vision with them. “Execution. Enterprise. Excellence are our three Es of excellence.
“Third point is that in all we’ve achieved, nothing could have been possible without God. It’s His grace that made us alive and gave us the energy and inspiration. We give credit to God.
Having said all these, let me emphasise that we must team up to build a virile and great country. I call on every patriotic Nigerian. Let’s team up to build a stronger country.
“Out of 20,000 lives we’ve touched through TEF, half are Nigerians.Poverty anywhere is a threat to all of us”, Elumelu explained.
On plans by companies under Heir Holdings to go into power distribution, Elumelu said: “We’re in that space via AEDC and it’s very tough. We turn around businesses and create value for all and we’ll do more”.
He also revealed that the conglomerate has plans to be listed in offshore markets after studying the macroeconomic space and determining its suitability.
On the trending ‘japa’ movement, Elumelu said: “It affects all of us. You interview some young people and you don’t know who will stay for a year. But that doesn’t stop us from hiring.
“We train thousands monthly both UBA and Heirs Holdings.
India rakes in billions from diaspora remittances and we may be crying now but a time shall come when we’ll begin to take in huge funds from diaspora workers. I don’t stop those who want to leave if they feel outside holds better prospects for them”, he said.