The Lion King | 41
Experiences
We had been warned that the next
couple of days could be ‘crazy’ with
the number of people billed to attend
the conference but truly the first day
of the conference was unbelievable,
with the large turnout of people. Over
3,000 attendants from 50 countries
around the world attended the 3-day
conference. They included Presidents,
Former Prime Ministers, leading partic-
ipants in international capital markets
and managers of the world’s wealth.
The speakers list, which included
Nobel Laureates, CEOs of Top world
companies, elected foreign and US
governments officials was equally
intimidating and discussions covered
finance and economic issues, educa-
tion, health, medical research, energy,
philanthropy and media.
Mr. Oduoza and other distinguished
panellists like Ahmed Heikel, Chairman
Citadel Group in Egypt and Barend
Peterson, Chairman De Beers Consoli-
dated Mining in South Africa, discussed
how entrepreneurs and industry leaders
are harnessing the potentials that
abound, to transform the continent
in such diverse fields as manufactur-
ing, technology, real estate, financial
services and agriculture. It was interest-
ing to see the rapt attention with which
the delegates listened to the lessons on
how to succeed in the African market-
place from the trailblazers who shared
their visions for the continent, insights on
its challenges and its opportunities, as
well as personal strategies for success.
It is noteworthy that the Milken Insti-
tute, like the Chatham House and the
Smithsonian Institute, play a critical role
in nation building and global develop-
ment. They are a melting pot for ideas
generation, research and all. Their
findings are available for all and sundry
to make use of. These institutions are
lacking in Nigeria and Africa and we
need to develop such.
Work along this direction has however
started with the establishment of
the Africapitalism Institute promoted
by Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr.
Tony Elumelu and the Insibidi Institute
promoted by Chuka Mordi. The Africap-
italism Institute will codify the philosophy
of Africapitalism across Africa and the
world. As a fully African funded and
led think tank, the institute will focus
on academically rigorous, practically
applicable research and multi-stake-
holder engagements to advocate for
public policies and business practices
that will unlock opportunities for all
R-L: Tony
Elumelu,
Chairman,
Heirs Holdings
and Cherie
Blair, Wife of
the former
British Prime
Minister
Africans. On the other hand, the
Insibidi Institute is to be established as
an independent research organiza-
tion uniquely positioned to build local
capacity, promote learning and effect
critical engagement on societal issues
in Nigeria.
These two institutions represent a critical
step in the development of the African
continent. I have no doubt that soon
they will grow into the idea banks that
future generations of Africans will tap
from.
My attendance at the Milken Insti-
tute conference has left an indelible
impression on me. The organization and
quality of discussion was highly inspiring.
With the take off of the Africapitalism
Institute and the Insibidi Institute, my
hope is that Africa will soon be hosting
conferences of similar quality to discuss
and map out home grown strategies
that will shape the continent’s future.
It was interest-
ing to see the
rapt attention
with which the
delegates listened
to the lessons on
how to succeed
in the African
marketplace...”
L-R: Kelechukwu Ibe, Executive Assistant, Group Executive Office;
popular musician, Akon and Charles Aigbe at the conference
