Tony Elumelu: “Last week, 720 young professionals from across Africa graduated from the UBA Group Graduate Management Programme.

“Most inspiring for me is that over 300 contract staff have now been converted to full-time employees after completing the intensive 6-month programme. This is life changing impact and opportunity.

“I shared my early career story with them. I was given significant responsibility at a young age – appointed a branch manager at the age of 26, something unheard of in Nigeria’s banking industry at the time. That experience paved the way for my future accomplishments and I went on to become a Bank CEO at 34.

“I encouraged UBA leadership to challenge these young talents with early leadership responsibilities so they can surpass my record.

“My advice to the young UBA Management Trainees: Embrace hard work, discipline, and resilience. Practise deferred gratification, maintain laser focus, and build the critical skills you will need for the future – starting now. Stay hungry.

“I commend the UBA management for their leadership and commitment to empowering our youth across Africa.

“At UBA group, we don’t just speak, we act.”