Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, has challenged business leaders across Africa to increase women’s representation in corporate leadership, insisting that gender inclusion must translate into real appointments, access to capital and opportunities to lead.
Elumelu made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 25th annual conference of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Rooted, Rising, Ready: Born in Africa, Built for the World”, the business leader said African companies must move beyond discussions about gender equality and take practical steps to place more women in influential positions.
He argued that economies seeking sustainable growth cannot afford to overlook the contributions and capabilities of half their population.
“Women’s economic leadership is not a concession to fairness. It is a requirement for competitiveness,” Elumelu declared.
Elumelu showcases women leaders across Heirs Holdings
To demonstrate his position, Elumelu highlighted the leadership structure across businesses within the Heirs Holdings Group, which operates across sectors including financial services, investment management, hospitality, real estate, technology and entrepreneurship development.
He pointed to the women occupying senior leadership positions across the group as an example of how businesses can create opportunities for female executives to lead institutions and drive growth.
Among those highlighted was his wife, Dr Awele Elumelu, OFR, a founding director of Heirs Holdings.
Her leadership responsibilities span several businesses and organisations, including Avon HMO, Avon Medical, Heirs Insurance Brokers, Transcorp Hotels Plc and Heirs Energies. She is also a co-founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
Other women identified in the group’s leadership structure include Dr Fumbi Chima, Chair of Heirs Technologies; Agatha Obiekwugo, Chair of Afriland Properties Plc; and Mrs Foluke K. Abdulrazaq, Vice Chair of Transnational Corporation Plc.
Also listed were Uzo Oshogwe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc; Somachi Chris-Asoluka, Chief Executive Officer of the Tony Elumelu Foundation; and Catherine Nwosu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Prudential Plc.
The list further includes Dr Odiri Ogini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Capital Asset Management, and Esther Adeola Balogun, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UCEE Microfinance Bank.
Adetola Fasuyi was also mentioned in the leadership list, although the source statement did not specify her position.
Calls for action beyond gender inclusion discussions
Elumelu urged corporate leaders to demonstrate their commitment to women’s advancement through concrete decisions, particularly in executive appointments, access to funding and opportunities to head businesses and institutions.
He maintained that leadership opportunities should be determined by merit rather than gender, geographical background or circumstances of birth.
His message at the WIMBIZ conference placed emphasis on the role businesses can play in creating an environment where women have the opportunity to contribute to economic development and corporate decision-making.
The annual WIMBIZ conference brings together women and other stakeholders in management, business and public service to discuss leadership, professional development and women’s participation in economic and national development.
