Heirs Holdings is 12. As the oldest HH Person, how do you feel about HH at 12?
Heirs Holdings commenced business twelve years ago.
Within this period, it has expanded its businesses encompassing financial services, hospitality, power, healthcare, oil and gas and real estate. The entity has rapidly grown to become a valued global brand. As I look back, its emergence as an evolving conglomerate is simply astounding.
In terms of my personal progress within the group, as someone who has virtually played a background role in the start-up of the various entities of the group, I can feel very proud of what has evolved in the group.
I was right there when we took over Merchant Bank of Commerce. I encountered challenges when serving severance letters to the disengaged staff. I was in the theatre during the delivery of what became Standard Trust Bank. After several interactions with the old staff of UBA, I was the first STB staff to set up an office in the new environment, awaiting the welcoming of the rest of the staff. I was at the frontline in the commencement of the real estate business – Heirs Properties – that eventually merged with Afriland Properties. I was the first pioneer staff of Tenoil; was also its first Port Harcourt staff with the responsibility to create the office in that region. And I was one of the three pioneer staff that supported the set up of what is today Heirs Holdings.
How did you become an HH Person? What was your first impression of the Chairman?
I started work with the Chairman 27 years ago. My first impression of him was his dress sense: he was dandy in his work outfit with sleek suspenders and powerful shoes.
He emitted power. I was at once caught up in this aura. It didn’t take time to understand his modus operandi: work, work, work. And it has remained so to this day.
What was your first position at HH and how was it?
I joined Heirs Group over two decades ago before we ever called it Heirs Holdings. At the time, I had recently returned from Abuja on a national assignment and I got a referral from a close friend to see TOE who was looking for a PA. We met, discussed and went through several interview sessions as well as a further interview panel before being offered the job.
It was very challenging during the first year. There was no benefit of internet support at the time, but we were organised to succeed right from the first day. A winning culture was created within a friendly work environment. The harmony of the staff was honed almost to perfection. Under this atmosphere, failure was never an issue. Well-thought-out directives were communicated, strictly followed and aggressively implemented. The vision of TOE who had the perfect embodiment of a general propelled us forward.
Every path comes with its challenges, how well do you think HH has done so far
In the last twelve years, I will unequivocally say the group has done exceedingly well, even as it continues to deepen and enrich its workforce with modern knowledge to drive its businesses with exceptional performance.
Its venture into the power sector of the economy was and still remains a very bold statement of intent to improve an industry that has remained a major source of concern not only for the lives of ordinary citizens but of small, medium and established businesses in the country. I believe an improvement and stability of this sector and others will translate to economic growth and the well-being of the Nigerian and African people.
What excites you the most about the HH impact?
The philanthropy arm of the Group – The Tony Elumelu Foundation – is making a big impact on the African youth, empowering them through entrepreneurship in their various fields to contribute to Africa’s prosperity. Without question, the Tony Elumelu Foundation is recognised as Africa’s ultimate driver of youth development and entrepreneurship.
As the oldest HH Person, it’s safe to say you are HH Hall of Fame and will definitely have stories for days. So, if you had to pick, what would your most memorable HH moment be?
I remember during a particularly heavy downpour and severe flooding in Victoria Island of Lagos, the Chairman had to ride on ókada. As he mounted and waded through the flood to get to a meeting, I watched with bated breath, fearing that the slightest twist will throw the rider and himself into the flood.
The second bizarre experience was my riding on Okada from the Island straight to the airport at top speed along the Third Mainland bridge to ensure a parcel was delivered to Abuja to beat a deadline.
You’ve been around for so long, how do you feel about the key role you have played in the HH Story?
As can be seen, I have had a leading (perhaps unseen) hand in almost all the leading businesses across the group. So, I feel nothing but happiness that I have witnessed all these evolutions. If you liken these developments to something akin to childbirth, I am happy that the children have matured and grown to become distinguished players in the scheme of things.
What is one key lesson you’ve learnt on your journey at HH?
I’ll tell you this. During my time here, I have learnt that you firmly succeed in an organisation when you consciously participate as a valued team member, contributing optimally.
In my endeavours, I always ask myself whether my efforts will bring in the desired results as efforts count for nothing without the appropriate result expected of you. Over the years, one has developed a can-do spirit, to persevere and never settle for less. Above all, I have to operate by the highest ethical standards.
Where do you see HH in the next 8 years, HH at 20?
In eight years, I see a group that will, outside the financial services sector, further expand its scope of businesses beyond Africa and become a recognised global brand in various sectors, attracting constant attention as a reference point in the developing world.
The HH Group has certainly grown tremendously in the last 12 years. Today there are many young talents, aka the Gen Z’s starting their own HH journeys. What advice do you have for the new generation of HH People?
If you dare to dream, you will succeed. With determination, tenacity, focus and ambition, you will conquer. Let’s celebrate over a decade of achievements and look forward to another ten years which will bring even further success. The Group will attract the best minds to its workforce, and I bid you identify with the institution.
