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 of Heirs Holdings’ integrated power […]
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 to youth entrepreneurship. Sèmè City’s […]
Keynote Speech at the CIBN 17th Annual Banking & Finance Conference
It has been a tough year for Nigeria. Inflation has continued to surge, causing pain across our economy. Our country has been hit hard. As a nation, we import more than we export, and with a manufacturing sector struggling and the continued growth of our population, we require more than just short term “interventions”. We […]
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 today employs 200 workers and […]
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 his ambitious agenda for driving […]
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 life changed – I was […]
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 Remarks at the Clinton Global Initiative Philanthropy Session #UNGA78
In my own story, I started as nobody but through luck, being at the right place at the right time and at the intersection of luck and hardwork, I have come to see firsthand how success in business can help to address societal needs. This is a throwback to my remarks at #UNGA78, where I […]
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 […]
