Elumelu: How to be successful in life

Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank of Africa (UBA), Mr. Tony Elumelu, has given Nigerian youths secrets of success.

Elumelu urged the youth to work hard and build a bright future for themselves.

The business mogul was one of the speakers at The Everlasting Arms Parish (TEAP)-RCCG Teens Career Conference 2023 holding in Abuja.

He told the youth on Saturday, August 19, 2023 that “there is a future, but you have to be the builders of that future now.”

His words: “I didn’t become the Chairman of UBA Group and Transcorp Group because I had wealthy parents or I went to the best schools, or because I was the most intelligent in my state or country. Your circumstances today must not define your future.

“Few things helped me in life which were hard work, discipline, sacrifice and obedience to elders and my parents.

“Embrace hard work, discipline and sacrifice: I realized growing up that the way to get to the top is to go the extra mile. Tell yourself that there is no other way to get there if you don’t work hard. Have the discipline to say no to things that don’t serve you, and sacrifice now for future rewards. If you work hard, and are disciplined, you will get what you desire in life.

“Be yourself – This was an advice I gave to Oge when she resumed at London School of Economics. There are so many distractions and influences in the world we live in. Overtime, people start to doubt their identity and act in a manner that is alien to them. Don’t go against your values because you want to be perceived as “sociable”. Anyone who doesn’t accept you the way you are, should leave.”

The Chairman of Transcorp Group also told the youth that for success to be achieved, they must go the extra mile to attain it.

“Study at night, take your studies serious, and know there are no short cuts; these and more helped me in life.

“Be disciplined to avoid bad habits and to do what you ought to do; take corrections from teachers and parents, and at higher institutions be responsible.

“Make sacrifices. I did make a lot of sacrifices to achieve my today. Make priorities, have the will power to rise above negative influences and go for positives to gain rewards in future,” Elumelu said.

The philanthropist also advised the youth to utilise the ICT to make positive impact in the country.

“Be careful about social Media – It is not everything you see on social media that is real. Do not be drawn in by its influence – it can be misleading at times. That is why discipline is extremely important in your life journey.

“Be yourself, in the world today there are a lot of influences from the ICT; social media has its impacts positively just as negatively. Know what you want and don’t abuse opportunities,” he said.

Elumelu admonished the youth not to allow their present circumstances to determine their future, and listen to their parents at all times.

His words: “Relationships between parents and children: Have a healthy relationship with your parents – Parents correct, they nurture, they teach in different ways and styles – all done out of love and most importantly, to help create a better society for all.

“You cannot outgrow their advice; all parents wish and want the best for their children.

“Remember your humble beginnings and orientation. Shun social vices and peer group influence especially as been portrayed on social media these days”, he added.

The business mogul also has a word of caution for the parents: “To parents, be flexible. Create the opportunity for dialogue with your kids and allow them to share their point of view. We must learn from each other.”

 The Star