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5 Years of Spreading Luck – Everyone Needs a Little Help
In business the role luck plays in success and personal achievement is rarely discussed. If luck is mentioned, it is done with slight condescension, and usually dismissed as a product of hard work, not deserving significant attention. While hard work is paramount – and I have written extensively about the importance of working hard – history and my own experiences show that there is often a large element of success that hard work alone cannot explain. It is simply not true that “you make your own luck.”
I started my career as a salesman, a copier salesman to be specific, young, hungry, and hardworking, but the reality was that I was just one of thousands of young Nigerian graduates, all eagerof young Nigerian graduates, all eager to succeed. How did I get from there to where I am now? Of course, hard work, resilience, a long-term vision – but also luck.
A year later after earning my Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos, I applied to join a new generation bank, Allstates Trust Bank. The bank’s one-page newspaper advertisement demanded a minimum 2:1-degree, but I applied regardless, submitting a cover letter and filled out application with my 2:2-Economics degree.
By a stroke of luck, my application was reviewed by the Chairman/CEO, a painstaking man who carefully read my cover letter and was drawn to the confidence in my words. “I know I may not have met the qualifying criteria for the advertised roles, but I am intelligent, driven, ambitious and I will make the bank proud. My 2:2 degree does not demonstrate the full extent of my intelligence and ability, and I know I can do so much more.” He read those words and took a chance on me. Though “unqualified”, he decided to throw me a lifeline, an opportunity.
I was invited to join the shortlist, followed by a long series of interviews and even more tests. At the end of a very rigorous process, I received good news – I had a place as an entry level analyst. Even now, I wonder: What if the Founder had not personally gone through my application? What if my application was rejected at the very beginning? What if I never got the opportunity to work at Allstates Trust Bank?
The story continues: within 12 months at the bank, aged 27, I went from analyst to branch manager – the youngest ever bank branch manager at the time. I was hard working, energetic, creative and prioritised getting things done, but it was also good fortune that my bosses Toyin Akin-Johnson and Ebitimi Banigo took notice, and then, believed in me. They took a chance on me by appointing me as branch manager after an incredibly short time in the bank. They recognised in me the raw materials needed to make a good leader and were prepared to invest in me and my ability. My rise to Branch Manager within a short period is a great story but I know in my heart, I was lucky, as well as deserving.
This position of branch manager was a solid platform which launched me into several top leadership roles. When we, a small group of hungry, determined, young outsiders, took over struggling Crystal Bank, it was as a direct result of the preparedness and exposure that we received early from our superiors and mentors. Without the intervention and goodwill of these people in my career, I would not have been prepared as I was to take on far greater roles. These learning opportunities laid the pathway to future achievements. Put simply, I was lucky enough to be identified and trusted so early on in my career, and this put me on a unique road to success. I keep this in mind – it is humbling and also drives much of what I do today.
When I left UBA as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2010 to pursue other interests, I made a vow that through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, I would “institutionalise” luck and democratise access to opportunities for young Africans. I promised to leverage the success I have enjoyed, to spread luck and hope, provide opportunities and to empower the next generation of African entrepreneurs to succeed. Without luck in my early career, I would not be the man that I am today. I am a leader and philanthropist today because I encountered people who gave me a chance early in my career. It has been a lifetime goal to pay this forward in a transformative and impactful way.
Over the past three decades I have spent as a banker, investor, and turnaround expert, I have had the opportunity to meet thousands of entrepreneurs, like me. Many of them young people, with incredible dreams and business ideas but without the experience or the access to mentoring and support required in order to build successful businesses. But most importantly, they have not yet been exposed to the right opportunity.
Our entrepreneurs are hard at work across the continent, identifying gaps in the market for specific products and services, and bridging these gaps with their innovation and ingenuity. Yet, many of these budding entrepreneurs often lack the capital, the networks, the training, the support to take their small business to national or regional scale. All they need is a helping hand, some luck, someone to believe in them and take a chance on them.
This is what the Tony Elumelu Foundation offers: a platform that empowers African entrepreneurs– from business management training, to mentoring, to funding to networking – championing their cause and giving them a global voice to actualise their ambitions. This is precisely why I launched the USD$100 million Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme to empower the next generation of African entrepreneurs. Indeed, these may be the next UBAs (United Bank for Africa).
So, when I am asked, “Tony, why are you and your family doing this? What is in it for you?” I smile and recount my own story of luck. Luck is real, it is powerful, and I am committed to spreading it as far as I can. I am a beneficiary of luck, and I am passionate about sharing it across the continent, to all 54 countries.
I want our young aspiring entrepreneurs to apply. I want you to be a part of this global movement for good. I encourage you to be bold enough to let luck find you. There will be 1260 places open from January 1, 2019. Will you be among the lucky ones this year? Take a chance on yourself. Your future may begin today. Apply now at TEFCONNECT.COM
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Access Bank Appoints Mr. Innocent Ike As Substantive GMD/CEO, Recognises Contributions Of Ms Bolaji Agbede As Acting CEO
Access Holdings (‘Access Holdco’ or ‘the Company’) today announces the appointment of Mr. Innocent Ike as the substantive Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective August 29, 2025, following the receipt of regulatory approval.
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ZENITH BANK MARKS 35 YEARS ANNIVERSARY IN GRAND STYLE, RECOGNISES PIONEER CUSTOMERS AND LONG-SERVING STAFF
L-R: Representative of the Nigerian First Lady and Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Chief of Staff to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo; Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Wife of the Founder & Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mrs. Kay Ovia; Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON; Founder & Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR; Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi; Chairman of Access Holding Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR; Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and the Publisher of Thisday Newspaper, Prince Nduka Obaigbena at the Zenith Bank 35th Anniversary and Chairman’s Dinner held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, at the weekend.
Amidst pomp and pageantry layered with a mixture of glitz and glamour, Zenith Bank Plc marked its 35th year anniversary with a commemorative Chairman’s Dinner at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, August 15, 2025. In recognition of their immense contributions to the success of the brand, the bank also presented commemorative awards and plaques to pioneer customers and long-serving staff, who have served meritoriously for 25 years and above. The ceremony brought together key stakeholders of the bank including customers, staff (past and present), regulators, partners, and friends, who all came together to celebrate 35 years of excellent and innovative banking services that has propelled the banking giant to the peak of Nigeria’s financial industry. Among the eminent personalities who graced the occasion were the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas; Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Governor of Delta, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir. Monday Onyeme; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; and former governors Peter Obi and Udom Emmanuel (also an alumnus of Zenith Bank).In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON applauded the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR for his foundational role in building the structures for what has today become a shining example of excellence in the Nigerian banking industry and a globally recognised financial institution. She described him as “the Godfather of modern banking and the Nostradamus of our time, who through sheer tenacity, foresight, and uncompromising integrity transformed a modest vision into the financial powerhouse we celebrate today”.In his goodwill message, the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, a proud alumnus of the bank, praised the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR for being at the heart of the very successful brand that today stands as Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-One capital. According to him, “Long before technology became the bloodstream of global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of Nigerian banking industry. He introduced innovation not as a fashion but as a philosophy, placing Zenith Bank on a path where excellence is not an ambition but a standard. Yet his true signature is not only on the balance sheet. For Jim Ovia, the people make an institution. His greatest investment has been in human capital – in transferring his experience and sense of adventure to generation after generation of bankers and investors forged at Zenith Bank”.
Also speaking at the event, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, CFR expressed its immense appreciation to all guests for joining the bank in celebrating this momentous occasion. He thanked the bank’s esteemed customers and shareholders for their trust, confidence and shared vision; the regulators, for their guidance over the years; his friends and partners, for being a constant source of strength; the Zenith Bank family led by the exceptional Group Managing Diector/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, for their loyalty and commitment; and his beloved wife and family for their love and support.Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown from humble beginnings into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with branches across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, Abuja as well as subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, France, UAE and a representative office in China.
FirstBank, the West African premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has emerged as Nigeria’s Best Bank for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, held recently in London. This marks FirstBank’s second consecutive win in the ESG category, affirming its leadership in sustainable finance and responsible banking across Nigeria.
The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are regarded as one of the most coveted accolades in the global financial industry. The highly competitive selection process involves rigorous analysis and assessment, measuring performance against strategic and impact-oriented criteria.
The Bank earned the award through its deepened sustainability commitments embedded across its operations and community initiatives. In 2024, FirstBank screened 237 transactions worth over ₦3 trillion for sustainability risks, integrating ESG considerations into its credit framework.
Among its flagship sustainability initiatives, FirstBank commenced a tree planting campaign in partnership with Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), planting over 30,000 trees in 16 locations across Nigeria. This was the first phase of its 50,000-tree initiative, projected to absorb approximately 720 tonnes of CO₂ by the end of 2025, contributing to climate resilience and supporting biodiversity preservation.
FirstBank has been proactive in gender inclusion through the Gender Market Strategy, disbursing over ₦43 billion FirstGem loans to women-led businesses in 2024. The Bank’s commitment to inclusive banking saw a significant increase in the worth of transactions facilitated by FirstMonie agents to over ₦9 trillion.
The Bank prioritises ESG/sustainability capacity building, evidenced by the training of over 9000 employees, and its webinars and workshops reaching over 2,000 SMEs and corporates. The bank’s investment in leadership for over 2,000 female employees through the FirstBank Women Network has demonstrated a dedicated structural commitment to cultivating a knowledgeable and diverse workforce catering to the dynamic ESG landscape.
Commenting on the award, the Chief Risk Officer of the Bank as well as the Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, Patrick Akhidenor said, “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award for the second time in a row, which is a validation of our efforts to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all our stakeholders. Our approach to sustainability is hinged on three pillars: education, health and welfare; diversity and financial inclusion; responsible lending, procurement and climate initiatives”
He added: “We remain focused on driving impact through purposeful initiatives and inclusive growth, ensuring that our ESG efforts continue to create meaningful change in communities across Nigeria and beyond.”
The continued success in ESG and sustainability is driven by FirstBank’s vision to be Africa’s bank of first choice, leading with purpose, responsibility, and innovation.
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