Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China
Nigeria’s foremost leadership coach and motivational speaker, Fela Durotoye, and Chairman of the Mayor of Housing Group, My-ACE China, have said the true treasure of Rivers State lies not beneath the ground in crude oil but in the potential and capacity of its people.
They also echoed the position of UK-based business strategist and leadership coach, Dr Brian Reuben, that young people should no longer be regarded as “leaders of tomorrow,” insisting that they are leaders of today who must be equipped and empowered to assume responsibility now.
- Dr Brian Reuben
The trio spoke at the “Strategic Elevation 2026” conference held at Heliconia Hotel and Suites in Port Harcourt on June 12 to commemorate the birthday of Dr Reuben, who is widely regarded as a global authority on leadership and development.
The event attracted more than 250 entrepreneurs, professionals, business owners and young people from across Rivers State and beyond. Participants were challenged to rethink their perspectives, embrace responsibility and position themselves for greater impact in society.
Sponsored and hosted by My-ACE China, the conference formed part of efforts to promote leadership development, entrepreneurship and reposition Rivers State as a destination for innovation and transformational engagements.
Delivering the keynote address, Durotoye urged participants to become nation builders by identifying and solving problems within their communities, stressing that Nigeria’s transformation depends on citizens discovering their purpose and deploying their talents for societal good.
- Fela Durotoye
“The Nigeria of our dreams is waiting inside you for the problem that you have not yet solved. Your success is tied to Nigeria’s success, so let Nigeria succeed because you found a problem and solved it,” he said.
The former presidential aspirant commended Dr Reuben for choosing to mark his birthday by investing in people through knowledge-sharing rather than personal celebration. He also praised the Mayor of Housing Group for supporting the initiative.
Speaking at the event, My-ACE China said the conference was in line with his commitment to promoting Rivers State as a hub for business, innovation and transformational events.
He disclosed that although participation would ordinarily have cost about N100,000 per person, the event was offered free of charge through sponsorship of the venue and logistics as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.
“When Dr Brian Reuben shared his vision of organising a value-driven conference on his birthday to give back to society, we volunteered to host it because bringing such value to Rivers people aligns with our mission of positively projecting the state,” he said.
China described Durotoye’s presence in Port Harcourt as a unique opportunity for participants to gain insights into leadership, personal development and nation-building.
He stressed that young people must begin to see themselves as leaders of today rather than tomorrow, adding that prosperity is rooted in responsibility and value creation.
According to him, Rivers State’s greatest resource is not crude oil but its people.
The conference was convened by Dr Reuben, who said it was designed to help individuals and organisations embrace new perspectives and strategic positioning for success.
- Mayor of Housing fielding questions after the conference
He noted that many people fail not because opportunities are lacking, but because they approach situations from the wrong perspective.
“Strategic elevation is about rising above the noise of competition to perceive markets and people differently. There comes a point in life when if you do not elevate, you cannot move forward,” he said.
Dr Reuben maintained that leadership is not exclusive to those occupying public office but begins with individuals taking responsibility wherever they find themselves.
He said Port Harcourt possesses the potential to become a global city if its people focus on solving societal challenges instead of pursuing wealth alone.
Addressing young participants, he urged them to make decisions with the future in mind.
“It is your responsibility as a young person to make a difference in your generation. Think about the next 10 years and ask yourself whether you will be proud of the decisions you are making today,” he said.
Speaking on executive presence, Victor Emetalobi Jnr, an executive with the Mayor of Housing Group, described it as the aura of leadership and the ability to inspire others.
He explained that executive presence encompasses communication skills, personal appearance and the capacity to influence people positively, stressing that true leaders inspire followers rather than dominate them.
Participants described the conference as impactful and transformative.
Goodluck Esogwai said the presentations broadened his understanding of leadership and nation-building.
“Leadership is not about authority or position; it is about influence, responsibility and making deliberate decisions that bring positive change,” he said.
Another participant, Precious Nwokansu, said the event reinforced her belief that greatness is attainable regardless of one’s background.
She emphasised the importance of building strategic relationships and learning from successful people.
“My biggest lesson is that anyone can become great, irrespective of where they come from. You must deliberately seek relationships that can position you for success,” she said.
The conference ended with renewed calls for leadership, innovation and active citizenship, as participants pledged to apply the lessons learnt to personal growth and community development.
Highlights of the event included the cutting of Dr Reuben’s birthday cake, presented by the Mayor of Housing, and the unveiling of a strategy book authored by the celebrant.
Copies of the book were purchased for 10 prominent Nigerians in different sectors, including Aliko Dangote, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
