Tony Elumelu calls for increased female leadership in African firms

Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, has urged African business leaders to increase women’s representation in corporate leadership roles. Speaking at the 25th annual conference of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) in Lagos, Elumelu stated that gender inclusion is a requirement for economic competitiveness and sustainable development rather than merely a matter of fairness.

He emphasized that corporations should move beyond rhetoric by providing women with greater access to capital, leadership positions, and opportunities to manage institutions. Elumelu cited the Heirs Holdings Group as a model, noting that women hold various chairperson and chief executive positions across its financial services, investment management, hospitality, real estate, and technology sectors.

Key female leaders within the group mentioned include Dr. Awele Elumelu, who chairs several entities including Transcorp Hotels Plc and Heirs Energies, as well as Dr. Fumbi Chima, Agatha Obiekwugo, Foluke K. Abdulrazaq, Owen Omogiafo, and Uzo Oshogwe.