Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and founder of Heirs Holdings, has shared a throwback to how he became a bank branch manager at just 27 years old.
In a post on X on Friday, the 62-year-old billionaire businessman revealed that he was given the opportunity by HRM Ebitimi Banigo at the now-defunct AllStates Trust Bank.
“At 27, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime: branch manager at AllStates Trust Bank, Nigeria, by HRM Ebitimi Banigo. 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.
Elumelu went on to share three leadership lessons from the experience.
1. Age is Not a Barrier to Leadership
He explained that leadership should not be tied to age, but rather to commitment, clarity of vision, and execution.
2. Trust is Greater than Capital
According to him, the trust he received early in his career propelled him to bigger responsibilities and opportunities, teaching him that trust is a more valuable foundation than money.
3. Perspective Matters in Leadership
Elumelu emphasized that great leaders should focus on empowerment, direction, and clarity rather than trying to do everything themselves.
The billionaire linked these lessons to his current mission of empowering young Africans through the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), launched in 2010.
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme offers training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and seed capital to thousands of African entrepreneurs each year.
“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 said.
Tony Elumelu began his career at Union Bank before moving to AllStates Trust Bank. He later led the acquisition of Crystal Bank, rebranded it as Standard Trust Bank, and eventually merged it with UBA in 2005, creating one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.
