Nigerian business mogul and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu has shared key lessons from his early career journey, recalling how he became a bank manager at just 27 years old.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Elumelu reflected on how the opportunity, given to him by HRM Ebitimi Banigo at AllStates Trust Bank, transformed his life and shaped his approach to leadership.
“At 27, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime: branch manager at AllStates Trust Bank, Nigeria. Many doubted a young man could lead a bank branch. That chance changed the entire course of my life. It gave me confidence, a platform, and perspective,” he wrote.
Outlining three key lessons from that experience, Elumelu emphasised that leadership is not defined by years, but by competence and clarity of vision.
“If you can execute, hungry to learn, and committed to results — you can lead at any age. Leadership is about clarity of vision and the discipline to execute,” he noted.
According to Elumelu, his rise did not begin with money but with trust. “My journey didn’t start with money — it started with trust. Trust was the seed that propelled everything else. Give young people trust, and they will surprise you. I was trusted, I repaid that trust,” he stated.
Elumelu added that true leadership is about empowering others rather than doing everything alone.
“Leadership is not about doing everything yourself. It is about empowering, setting direction, and providing clarity. The sooner you learn this, the faster you grow,” he explained.
The Heirs Holdings and UBA chairman said his experience continues to inspire his passion for empowering African youth through the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).
“That’s why today, I am passionate about giving young people the same chance I was given. Cascading luck. Catalysing opportunity. It is the reason we invest in Africa’s youth at the @TonyElumeluFDN, because someone once invested in me,” he added.
Elumelu concluded his post with a call to action, urging society to believe in the transformative potential of Africa’s young people.
“My story is proof that when we trust in our youth, they are ready to lead, grow, and transform our continent. Let’s keep believing in Africa’s youth,” Elumelu stated.
