In a powerful and motivational event, Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of Heirs Holdings and UBA Group, addressed UBA’s newly promoted branch managers, sharing a vision of leadership deeply rooted in UBA’s core values of excellence, enterprise, and execution. Speaking to 70 young managers from across the UBA Group, Elumelu emphasized the vital role of human talent in the organization’s success and underscored his commitment to cultivating a transformative leadership culture within UBA.
Elumelu opened his address by asking, “What is UBA Group without our human talent?” With these words, he highlighted UBA’s people-centric approach, where staff are valued as the cornerstone of the bank’s success. He described UBA’s workforce as “lions and lionesses” who are products of a nurturing environment focused on fostering dedication, high standards, and a drive for results. These, he noted, are values that continue to propel UBA as Africa’s Global Bank.
Reflecting on his own early career, Elumelu offered personal insights, recounting his journey to becoming a branch manager at just 27—a unique opportunity provided by his then-boss, Chief Ebitimi Banigo. “Promotion to branch manager is something very personal to me,” Elumelu explained, drawing a parallel between his experience and the new managers’ path. He shared Banigo’s powerful advice, which became a compass for him throughout his career: “Tony, this appointment goes beyond you. If you succeed, you open doors for others; if you fail, no institution will make this ‘mistake’ again.”
This counsel instilled a strong sense of responsibility in Elumelu, motivating him to approach his role with an understanding of its far-reaching impact. To prepare, he took an unconventional step, asking to shadow a colleague, Theresa Henshaw, who was then a teller and is now the CEO of UBA London. Elumelu shadowed Henshaw for five days, absorbing every detail of the bank’s operations—from deposits and withdrawals to transaction flow—allowing him to build a comprehensive understanding of banking fundamentals. “I knew I had to understand the inner workings of the bank to succeed as a branch manager,” he shared, underscoring his belief that strong leadership is built on a solid foundation of operational knowledge.
Elumelu also laid out a future-focused vision for UBA, revealing his hope that upcoming branch managers will emerge from the bank’s Graduate Management Trainee Program (UBA GMAP) within three years. This vision, he said, aligns with his desire to pay forward the opportunity that had been extended to him decades ago. “I have full confidence in UBA’s executive leadership to make this vision a reality,” he added, underscoring his trust in the next generation of UBA leaders to continue driving the bank’s success.
Concluding his address, Elumelu encouraged the new managers to be exemplary ambassadors of UBA, embodying its values in all they do. “I urged them to be transformative leaders who prioritize customer satisfaction, excellence, and a commitment to our values,” he said. He reminded them that, as his own mentor had once advised him, their success would create pathways for others within the bank.
Elumelu expressed his confidence in UBA’s leadership to support and guide these new managers in their roles, strengthening UBA’s reputation as Africa’s premier banking institution. “With the profound support and encouragement of UBA Group’s capable leadership, I have no doubt that these 70 exceptional UBA lions and lionesses will excel in their roles, contributing to the success of Africa’s Global Bank,” he said, leaving them with a charge to continue making an impact across the continent.
“Congratulations to you all—let’s continue to make an impact!” Elumelu concluded, signaling a bright future for UBA under the stewardship of these newly appointed leaders.
Anthony Emeka Nwosu
