Transforming Nigeria Demands Our Collective Dedication – Tony Elumelu
“Transforming Nigeria is a journey that demands our collective dedication, building across political affiliations, ethnic differences, and socioeconomic differences.”
This was the submission of African business leader and philanthropist, Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu.
Elumelu, who is the chairman of Nigerian conglomerates – United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tanscorp Group, Heirs Holdings, and more – said this in his keynote address at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Conference on Sunday, August 27, 2023.
Attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and themed “Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation-Building,” the conference was held at the Velodrome, Chief MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
The entrepreneur who believes taking the nation to its desired destination is not the sole responsibility of the government insists resetting Nigeria requires collective efforts.
“Great nations start with great people, not just great leaders. Our private sector, our philanthropies, our civil society, all citizens must be brought together and be empowered – as real, valued and executing partners for this national renewal, this nation building. It behooves us all to collaborate in unity to reset Nigeria”, Mr. Elumelu declared.
Reminding the gathering that nation-building is not a quick fix, the chairman of UBA – Africa Global Bank – saluted President Tinubu’s political will and courage to make tough economic decisions that will in the long run benefit all.
His words, “We have already seen that tough, long avoided economic decisions have been taken. We salute the political will and courage that have been found to address the root causes of issues, to introduce policies for the long term, not for the short term. Let us build on this boldness. Congratulations President Bola Ahmed Tinubu! Nation-building is not a quick fix, it entails sacrifices. We cannot keep doing the same things and expect different outcomes.
Telling Tony Elumelu Foundation’s life-changing efforts, especially on youth and women, across the continent of Africa, the businessman said:
“In my engagement with fellow private sector leaders, my message is simple: We must see ourselves as the engine of innovation, the source of investment, and the creators of jobs. This is exactly what we have achieved at the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
“The nurturing of entrepreneurship is not merely an economic endeavour, but a social responsibility. By empowering our youth, supporting start-ups and SMEs, the private sector contributes to equitable wealth distribution, job creation, and social advancement. It paves the way for economic empowerment that uplifts communities and contributes to a more inclusive society. We all owe this to our people, even for our own enlightened self-interest.
“When my wife and I committed USD100m to help democratize luck and empower our youth, through The Tony Elumelu Foundation, giving annual non-refundable grants of USD5k seed capital to each beneficiary, now received by over 18,000 young Africans, it was not out of an abundance of wealth. Rather it was our own contribution in spreading prosperity and making the world a better and safer place for all”.
He further suggested all hands must be on the desk to provide young ones with needed support that will ultimately transform them economically.
The event also gave him the opportunity to once again make cases for more investment in the power sector and security.
He said:
“Let us invest in security: Banditry; kidnapping; oil theft; pipeline vandalization, transmission line cuts. These create uncertainties, fears, deprivation, poverty, and untold hardship.
“Let us invest in our power sector – let us create regulatory structures that reward success, that deliver to our people, our schools, our hospitals, and our industries, the sustainable, robust power supply that our country so urgently needs”.
