Chairman of Heirs Holdings and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Tony Elumelu has stirred public debate after attributing his success to luck rather than merit or effort alone.
The billionaire banker made the admission during a candid sit-down with popular YouTuber Korty EO, where he challenged the widely-held belief that success is purely a product of hard work and intelligence.
Elumelu acknowledged the years he spent grinding through various roles in the corporate world, yet insisted that factors beyond his control ultimately enabled his rise to the top.
He did, however, stress that determination and a disciplined work ethic were essential ingredients in his journey: warning aspiring entrepreneurs not to abandon their ambitions in the face of adversity.
“I am here because of luck. At times, you don’t get successful because you are the best in class or because you are the fittest or most energetic. Sometimes, you need luck and I am a product of luck,” he said.
The remarks have since ignited a wave of reactions online, with many Nigerians and business observers questioning how a man widely regarded as one of Africa’s most tenacious self-made business leaders could so readily dismiss his own decades of calculated effort and strategic decision-making.
Korty is reputed for hosting some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Asake, Davido, Bella Shmurda, and Tems.
In a new episode of her show released on June 21, 2026, the YouTuber sat down with Tony Elumelu and one of his daughters for the engaging conversation that has since generated buzz across social media.
During the interview, Elumelu expressed admiration for the media entrepreneur’s success and jokingly referenced the fee he was told she charges for interviews.
“I am proud of you. When they told me she said she would charge N11 million, I said, ‘What?’ I said I am in the wrong profession,” Elumelu remarked, drawing laughter from all participants.
