Elumelu tasks leaders on lasting legacies for next generation

The Nigerian military has been applauded for their zeal and commitment towards ensuring the protection of the country’s territorial integrity and the fight against terrorism in the Northeast.

Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, made the commendation while delivering a lecture at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna, attended by senior officers of the Armed Forces.

Delivering a speech with the title “Leadership: the private sector perspective,” Elumelu, while acknowledging the pivotal role being played by the military, said the military has contributed to the unity and peace of the country.

“The development of any nation is assured by the quality of its armed forces among other public institutions. The Nigerian Military gives us hope as a country. The facilities I see here are comparable to any I have seen in Europe and the United States,” Elumelu said.

While sharing his thoughts on leadership in the private sector, Elumelu stated that there is no difference between private and public sector leadership, rather, the focus of leaders should be on mapping out a vision and mobilising people to fulfill the vision.

“The public sector leaders and their counterparts in the private sector must understand that to succeed in business or public service, they have to lead well. Leaders who succeed are those who think legacy,” Elumelu stated.

He restated that it was the responsibility of leaders to galvanise change and development, charging those present to think of leaving a lasting legacy behind for generations yet unburn “to prove to the world that this is not a wasted generation.”

Elumelu’s speech affirms his stance of the private sector taking a more proactive role in the development of Africa, embodied in his philosophy—Africapitalism.

He encouraged the students to become leaders of purpose, as leadership is not by accident, rather, leaders are made. “People do not buy into a vision they do not understand; they buy into a vision and mission that resonate with them,” he said.

Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Air Vice Marshal Suleiman Abubakar Dambo, appreciated Elumelu’s perspective on leadership.

“We are delighted to have in our presence an embodiment of knowledge, visionary leadership, and above all, an encyclopaedia of leadership.

“I agree that leaders are made, not born. Otherwise, how do you explain an individual having multi-national corporations in 20 African countries and doing very well in those countries, in so many sectors like the financial sector, oil and gas, real estate, and so on?” he asked.

He thanked Elumelu for sharing his leadership knowledge with the students of the college.