Nigeria Must Unite For Nation-Building To Deliver Better Future To Youths- Tony Elumelu

Chairman, United Bank of Nigeria, UBA Plc, Tony Elumelu, yesterday, said Nigerians must collaborate for nation-building to deliver a better future for youths.

Elumelu, who delivered a stirring address at the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) Annual General Conference said transforming Nigeria is a journey that demands. collective dedication

Drawing attention to the critical components of nation building, Elumelu outlined his vision for a renewed Nigeria. He stressed the significance of investing in the country’s youth, fostering an entrepreneurial culture, and building regulatory structures that reward success.

He also underscored the importance of instilling pride in the nation’s citizens and the necessity of embracing the African concept of “Africapitalism,” which promotes equitable prosperity and shared values.

“We champion the successes of Nigerians globally – in international leadership positions at the WTO, at the UN, at the African Development Bank, at the Afreximbank, in technology, in music and entertainment, in business, in arts and in media, in film, in sports. Indeed, in virtually every human endeavour, Nigerians excel. 

“We live in a world, where the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade grew up in Lagos and the United States Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, was born in Ibadan.

“In business, the Nigerian private sector is showing globally our capability, our ingenuity, our institutionalisation."

Speaking on the reality of Nigeria at home, he said the country is experiencing the disillusionment of youth, manifest in the tragic loss of talent, as many young Nigerians take risk to seek opportunities abroad.

“Opportunities that our fertile, bountiful country should supply."

“We see the plundering of our commonwealth through oil theft and pipeline destruction in broad daylight! We experience every day the impact of climate change,

We see our loved ones kidnapped and killed.

“Insecurity breeds disorder, feeds intolerance and destroys opportunity. Our country has experienced division – unnecessary division and the squandering of heritage."

Speaking further on the necessary steps to move the country forward, the serial entrepreneur pointed said, “transforming Nigeria is a journey that demands our collective dedication, building across political affiliations, ethnic differences, and socioeconomic differences.

“Our private sector, our philanthropies, our civil society, all citizens must be brought together and be empowered – as real, valued and executing partners for this national renewal, this nation building. 

“Let us be inspired by the lessons of history, motivated by the sacrifices of our forefathers, guided by the wisdom of our elders, and energized by the aspirations of our youth,” he said.