How I became Bank CEO at 34— Tony Elumelu

Nigerian economist, and philanthropist, Anthony Onyemaechi Elumelu, has said his age was not a barrier to becoming Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of Standard Trust Bank and one of the youngest bank CEOs in Nigeria at thirty-four [34] years.

Elumelu made this known on his Facebook account with a throwback picture of himself at the age of 34.

The founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation linked his successes to hard work and luck, the factors he described as inextricable in success.

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Elumelu said his successes and failures have always driven him to create opportunities for young people, saying he believes youths have the talent and the zeal to transform the world.

He wrote: “This is me – aged 34! I had just become CEO of Standard Trust Bank and one of the youngest bank CEOs in Nigeria. It was a time of fast-paced change in our industry, and reform-minded policymakers had opened up paths for consolidation and strengthening our sector. The competition was intense – but youth was not a barrier.

“I owe my accelerated career and successes to two things: hard work and luck, and I know firsthand how these factors are inextricable in success. My successes – and yes failures – have always driven me to create opportunities for young people. I believe that our young have the talent and the zeal to transform our world.

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“This year, the Board of Trustees of The Tony Elumelu Foundation approved the appointment of Somachi Chris-Asoluka, currently in her early 30s, as the Foundation’s CEO, making her the youngest TEF CEO so far. Somachi’s exceptional technical and leadership skills earned her this position, and she is one of the many young people at Heirs Holdings, who every day prove that the youth of Africa are talented, passionate, and hardworking, if given that chance.”

The UBA boss added that prioritizing the youth, and supporting their dreams and aspirations is the way to create a sustainable future for the world.

He said the greatest success in leadership is leaving a legacy and pathway for the next generation, adding that leaders must focus on long-term goals and succession planning to build a lasting legacy and ensure that long-term success.

Elumelu, who disclosed that one of his ways of empowering the next generation is through the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, let out that application to young African entrepreneurs which is an opportunity to impact the country and the continent is open on www.TEFConnect.com.

“I champion young people who are focused, hardworking, and committed to making a difference in their communities because I have seen first-hand how their drive and determination make things happen,” he said.

“More than ever, all of us who have attained success must become role models for the younger generation so that the next generation can learn from our mistakes and achieve even more than we have.”