We Shouldn’t Criminalise Wealth in Africa
With a trademark, serene smile, dressed to the nines, he sat across a marble table that reflects his distilled silhouette – decked in a black suit, white shirt and a red tie to match, his face radiates with hope and commitment as he talks about leaving a
What is the role of the Tony Elumelu Foundation in changing the political framework in Africa? Setting up the Tony Elumelu Foundation is about economically empowering our young ones and I would be happy if one day a Tony Elumelu entrepreneur becomes the president of his or her country – and it will happen. We also play an advocacy role because we realise that for entrepreneurs to succeed the operating environment must be right and we engage with governments to help shape policies. So, I would say changing Africa is a collective responsibility for all of us. Every one of us must realise that we need an improved Africa in the 21st Century; because the truth is that the world is moving and new leadership is evolving in other parts of the world and we may face a huge risk of Africa even retarding further instead of making progress. So Tony Elumelu, Tony Elumelu Foundation, yourselves, friends of Africa and other Africans must realise that we need a new kind of leadership, public sector and private sector to move Africa forward.
How do you deal with other governments trying to interfere in Africa?
In the 21st century, we need massive investments into Africa and investments should not have any colouration. We should encourage Africans to invest in Africa. We also need the Chinese, Japanese, Americans because it is the inflow of investments that will ultimately help us to create the jobs that we need as a continent and that is encapsulated in the economic philosophy of Africapitalism. That is the private sector getting involved by investing in key sectors that will help create economic prosperity and social wealth. We need to begin to change our mentality as a people. In the 21st Century, we should be engaging in a different fashion to create opportunities. If we have the right leadership, our leadership will engage in a manner that creates opportunities for their people. It is the lack of opportunities which is driven by the myopia of leadership that creates the kind of problems that we see.
How did you build UBA, what inspired TEF and what will happen seven years after your tenure expiration at the foundation?
The first reason is our people. What you are to the continent of Africa is what people are to our organisation. Great leaders have a pipeline of successors so that when they leave, others will come in because it is inevitable. So, we assembled the right team, shared the aspirations, they owned them and bought into them and we had a three-tier strategic intent. Tier one was to get a distressed bank and turn it around and make it viable and we gave ourselves a time-frame. With purpose and vision, we created milestones and put a time-frame. That way, in accomplishing those aspirations, because they were long-term, we create meaningful impact.
The second-tier intent was to become one of the top-ten banks in the country. We worked hard and accomplished it. And the third-tier intent was to become one of the top-three banks and we accomplished that. So, I would say that significantly helped; getting the right people; thinking about what we wanted to achieve; setting milestones; working very hard and being resilient. All of this helped us to achieve what we want to achieve.
What motivates you? I grew up as a typical African boy: born, bred and schooled in Africa. I worked in Africa and attained a level of comfort. When I retired as Chief Executive Officer of United Bank of Africa, I asked myself if I could institutionalise luck because we were all a product of many factors: the kind of place you worked, the kind of leaders you have, your upbringing and so on. So, I just felt that it would be nice to give support to young Africans who have ideas and no capital. The next thing was, should it be a Nigerian or African-focused foundation? I think it was Benjamin Disraeli that said this thing about poverty anywhere being a threat to mankind everywhere and because I was born in Nigeria, I’m more of an African citizen. There was the need to let prosperity spread. At the end of the day, our hope is that not what we do as a foundation but how we help to catalyse action. For example, we talk to other organisations and say we have many people applying, take some and help. We want this to be a movement on the continent.
How do you deal with rejection? Entrepreneurs do not give up; they are resilient. I am resilient.
Do you feel the overthrow of Gaddafi was justified?
This is a tough question and I’m sure my colleagues will be cringing that I did not say something but I want to say something to that question. Nature abhors vacuum, so Africa must begin to take its destiny in its hand. We must begin to direct the nature and complexion of conversations with African narrative. We must be concerned about narrative on Africa. We must tell our stories ourselves. We must let those we relate with know things that are important to us as a people. We must not allow for our agenda to be set by others. Leadership is not alien to Africa. We must not allow one form of leadership to determine and define the rest of the world. People have argued and I am in that camp that the absence of some people have created regional security imbalance. We also have seen situations where people have repented, turned a new leaf and have been embraced to become better leaders. At some point, I am sure the world will debate some of these issues and political students and actors who play a role will be in position to comment further.
What must young African youths do to attain leadership positions?
My foundation is focused on promoting African entrepreneurship and leadership. We see the need for a ‘new kind of leadership for Africa.’ African youths must ‘seize the opportunity’ to ‘fulfill their aspirations and dreams.’ To attain leadership positions they must prepare for it as that is the only way they will be able to accept it when it comes. Leadership occurs at every level. There is so much we can all do and you must play your own part. You must prepare yourself for leadership and be able to accept it. Youths must struggle for leadership the same way older generation fought for independence of the African continent. This generation must struggle for strong leadership. Nelson Mandela, the freedom fighter, despite the enormous challenges he faced, was able to fulfill his dreams. The youths carry a huge moral burden. I have realised that for a man to dream is one thing but to realise his dreams, he will face tremendous challenges. He (Mandela) faced those challenges and he never gave up. You must think legacy. You must think long term. You must ask yourself, ‘how would I like to be remembered?’
For a continent that is hugely endowed with so much, we should actually be a land of plenty but unfortunately, we have not been able to get it right and the only reason it is this way is the dearth of good leadership across both the private and public sectors. I would like to share the burden that I carry as I travel all around the world and you see progress. But the progress that you see in other parts of the world is a bit lacking on our continent. So when the United States Government organises an event like this and selects great young Africans, we must seize the opportunity. Youth unemployment in Africa is a challenge to all of us. It is a threat to everyone and at times I wonder if we or our leaders recognise what this means. We must all work hard to put the youths out of the streets; failure to do that portends doom for all of us. We have natural resource and a demographic structure that if well harnessed can confer a competitive advantage on us as a continent in the 21st Century. But we are not doing all that we need to do.
With wealthy and influential Africans and a huge population in Africa with just one Tony Elumelu Foundation from Nigeria, what needs to be done to get people interested in thinking about the rich influencing young Africans positively?
I am a strong believer in prosperity and the fact that we should not criminalise wealth. But it becomes an issue if your wealth is self-centred and that is why the kind of growth and development we want in Africa is an inclusive one. We want mutual prosperity, not barbed wire economy. We don’t want a society where some have and some don’t. It’s all again encapsulated or defined in this philosophy of legacy and I think it’s the deficit of the mind that makes a man think he keeps accumulating forever. You must also find how to share what you have accumulated. When I was in the university, at some point it was difficult to eat three square meals as a student. I had that challenge and I resolved that when I have money I would eat very well. Today, if you eat one, you are counting the calories. So how much can you even eat? Our youths need good education and good moral value so they can conquer the world. I think we all should use social media engagement, writing in constructive manner to catalyse others. This is a journey and it has begun. I would hope that everyone will catch on. I want to be remembered by the impact I make.
Some African leaders are reluctant to leave public office. What career path can you prescribe for people who enter politics so that the younger generation can thrive?
Your question is apt. He who must seek equity must do so with clean hands. We expect so much of our leaders and at times we pay lip service to certain issues. It is not even what they pay or that they steal that is important, but the kind of wrong decision they make because of pecuniary motivation. Let’s support them so that we can hold them firmly accountable for probating. I had a meeting in the office some days ago; at the meeting people told me how they’re hiring the chief of staff to this person who served in America. In fact here, people leave as ministers and senators, while others are begging them to work for them. I’m telling myself if we had this in Africa, it would address the point you raised. But the reason we don’t have it is when politicians are in office they don’t think legacy; they don’t distinguish themselves.
I can only as a private-sector person take on someone who has distinguished himself or herself while in public service. We need to do something about that and the conversation must start. But more important, those public-sector leaders should realise that there is life after office and should do things with legacy in mind. People should leave public office and next day they are okay and that actually can help address the greed that we see in leadership. Africa needs young leaders to develop our continent. This must not be a complaint generation but instead an action generation that will help to take Africa from where it is today to great heights. And most important, it must breathe, think, remember and act legacy.
Can you prescribe a career path to those who enter politics?
I totally support paying our leaders well. Let’s support them so that we can hold them firmly accountable. The reason we don’t have it is because when people are in office, they don’t think legacy and they don’t distinguish themselves. Those public-sector leaders should realise there is life after service.
President Buhari: It is the Slippers
Nigerians are known for their style. I tell you as the pictures of the President in London with his communications people emerged, na the leather slippers I dey look o. The blue slippers were elegant and e be
like say baba himself know because if you look at the picture very well you will see the way he pose shooting out his leg so that the sippers will show . This our daddy like to pose o. From the angle I was looking at, the thing looked like those half shoes that are usually very comfortable and which you wear with traditional wear to get the sophisticated laid-back look. So let me cover my shame and officially request for the slippers as my own share of the national cake, my daddy as you prepare for your return, kindly package the pair of shoes, it is blue in colour with black soles, you wore it in the picture that was placed on the front page of THISDAY on Monday August… cannot remember the date but Lai Muhammed was standing behind you and Femi Adeshina was also in the picture. I am giving your Excellency all this information just in case you have plenty and will not remember the exact one I am talking about. As you are considering my request, because I know you may not want to release it because they say you can be stingy small remember that I have been standing with you since o. I have yabbed Charly Boy who is going around all the markets asking you to resign. I have worked with Kogi people to attempt a recall of Melaye abi you hear am talk again? I have presented a paper at the United States War College on why you should be given another term should you desire and I will be eating lunch with OBJ in Ota where your 2019 fate will be discussed and if you give me this pair of slippers before that meeting, you can be sure where I will stand. I have supported all your policies even your principled stance on Magu, ask him I swear. I know you must be planning to gift Osinbajo as reward for his immense loyalty but mine should be better rewarded because Osinbajo no get choice but to remain loyal unlike me, the Duke of Shomolu who is opened to varied alternatives. So, please just give the thing to Femi Adeshina. My best friend retired Superintendent of Police, Segun Ogunleye, knows him very well. He once sent a text to him greeting him and Femi replied. So, let me get those slippers to ensure continuous peace and national cohesion. Thank you sir. Olori Wuraola: It is Well
This very beautiful Olori has been in the news all week. But before I comment on the so-called news, let me first comment on her beauty. This Olori is very beautiful o. If you have not seen her before, please take the next bus to Ife to see her o. There is a bus tour of Osun State organised by one private operator for N31,000 that has been advertised to take you to Osun where you will visit all the wonderful sights that Osun can offer. They say they will take you to the famous Osun groove, the waterfalls, Aregbesola’s office and lastly, the Ooni’s palace. Me I have gone to pay and register for the trip for the simple reason that it will give me the opportunity to see this wonderfully made Olori. Na look I just want look and if possible take picture. Her cousin who is my good friend, Jennifer, knows a lot about this my admiration; she is truly regal and born to be a queen. Well, back to the matter, just as I was about to place a call to the highly revered and great ruler of not only the Ife people but all Yoruba and by extension my paramount ruler (remember I am Duke of Shomolu, so I can trace my ancestors to the market near the palace in Ife; true, there are some Ibibio people there selling Afang) - to advise him to be patient in handling the alleged wahala with his Queen. I stumbled on a statement from the palace decrying the rumours and stating his undying love for the Queen. You see, in these times of fake news we no longer know what to believe again but whatever the case is, Kabiyesi, some of us really do admire you and will continue to pray for your long reign. We are saying that we look forward to a stable marriage for you as an inspiration for us and will really be crestfallen if anything were to happen between you and Olori. God will bless your union not only with peace but with fruit of the womb. We here in shomolu are rooting for you guys. In fact, this Friday we are carrying out some sacrifices in Shomolu for your continuous good health and long life. Kindly send us just two tubers of yam and one keg of palm oil, you can send Olori’s younger sister, the one not yet married to convey the goods. I am sure you know the one I am talking about - the light one with eyes like the almonds from Persia. Yes, that chubby one that has skin glowing like the oil of alabaster. Oya kabiyesi ma shere kere o. kabiyesiiiiiiiiii oooooo! Charly Boy (MAN) “: Think o !!!!!!!!!!!!
Charly!!!! Charly !!!!!!! Charly!!!!!! How many times did I call you? Pull your ear and go back to your lipstick and cosmetics o. Shebi you are fainting now, don’t let it go beyond that o. Your protest in Wuse market possibly igniting ethnic unrests especially at a time like this when the nation is battling ethnic-related strife. Charlyyyyyyyy, Charlyyyyyyyyy go home o. I don talk my own o.