Tony O. Elumelu, renowned entrepreneur and founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, presented an inspiring lecture at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference, emphasising the need of unity and collaborative efforts in achieving the lofty objective of nation-building.
The conference, held in Lagos, was attended by a broad group of legal professionals, government officials, and leaders from many sectors.
Elumelu began his speech by thanking His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), and other prominent guests for their presence.
Elumelu’s address focused on the critical need for unity and cooperation across all segments of Nigerian society in order to achieve genuine nation-building.
He emphasised that, despite their various backgrounds, religions, and experiences, all Nigerians share a similar desire to see the country develop and thrive.
Elumelu described Nigeria’s tremendous potential, both in terms of its abundant natural resources and its track record of excellence in disciplines such as world leadership, technology, music, commerce, arts, and sports.
However, he contrasted these accomplishments with the nation’s current concerns, which include energy deficiencies, young disenchantment, insecurity, and resource plundering through oil theft and pipeline destruction.
He emphasised the significance of nation-building as a shared obligation that goes beyond the government and urged business, philanthropy, and civil society to actively participate as partners in the process of renewal and advancement.
“In business, the Nigerian private sector is showing globally our capability, our ingenuity, our institutionalisation.
“We have global businesses with Nigerian origins: Let me name one – UBA, the United Bank for Africa, the only African Bank that operates in the USA as a deposit taking bank. We are now in Dubai, Paris, and London – and just as importantly 20 other countries in Africa – who would have thought 20 years ago, that Nigeria would be home to Africa’s global bank!
“But these successes, these role models are too few, too rare.
“We know too well the reality of Nigeria at home.
“We know our energy deficits, we experience the disillusionment of our youth, manifest in the tragic loss of talent, as our young, at times, and at great risk to themselves, seek opportunities abroad, he added.
Elumelu pushed for a redoubled effort to strengthen the nation’s fundamental elements, including investments in youth, education, entrepreneurial culture, women’s emancipation, power infrastructure, social institutions, and security.
Elumelu’s appeal for a broad commitment to youth entrepreneurship and development was one of the speech’s highlights.
He referenced his own initiatives through The Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has given grants to thousands of young Africans to encourage both social responsibility and economic success. Elumelu highlighted the idea of “Africapitalism,” a term he invented and which promotes conscious capitalism, shared ideals, and equal wealth for all.
Elumelu recognised the difficulties that would need to be overcome in order to develop Nigeria, as well as the sacrifices and difficult choices that would need to be made.
He commended recent changes in economic policy that address long-standing challenges and urged continuous audacity in addressing fundamental difficulties.
Elumelu’s final appeal for action was well received. He emphasised the need for swift action, particularly in light of the urgency presented by the rising number of young people and the impending risks of climate change and resource depletion.
He exhorted all Nigerians to unite in pursuit of a wealthy, unified, and hopeful nation, transcending individual accomplishments for the benefit of the whole.
“let us approach the task of nation-building with unwavering determination, guided by the principles of unity, inclusivity, and progress.
“Let our pursuit of nation-building be characterized by unwavering determination, empathy, and the commitment to create a legacy of progress, unity, and hope for generations to come.”
Elumelu’s vision for a better Nigeria and his call to action to work together to leave a legacy of growth and unification for future generations electrified the audience as his speech came to a close.
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SEO Description: Entrepreneur Tony O. Elumelu emphasizes unity for nation-building at NBA Conference. Urges collaboration for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and progress in Nigeria. Resonating call to action for a united, prosperous future.
