Recounting his early career, Elumelu said his appointment as a branch manager of the defunct AllStates Trust Bank at just 27 years old was a turning point that gave him the confidence, platform, and perspective to pursue bigger ambitions in business and leadership.
“At that time, few believed a 27-year-old could successfully lead a bank branch. But that opportunity changed the entire course of my life. It gave me confidence. It gave me a platform. Most importantly, it gave me perspective,” Elumelu said.
He recalled that the Nigerian banking sector in the 1990s was ripe for transformation, and being entrusted with responsibility at such a young age ignited his passion for empowering the next generation.
According to him, his commitment to youth development through the Tony Elumelu Foundation is rooted in this personal experience of trust and opportunity.
“My journey didn’t begin with capital. It began with trust,” he wrote. “That’s why today, I am passionate about giving young people the same chance I was given. Because I know what’s possible when someone believes in you early.”
Elumelu emphasized that this philosophy drives the foundation’s mission to support young African entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and funding.
“This belief is at the heart of everything we do at The Tony Elumelu Foundation. It’s why we invest in young African entrepreneurs – because someone once invested in me. Let’s keep believing in Africa’s youth. They are ready to lead, grow, and transform our continent,” he said.