Ayo Akerele, senior pastor of Rhema Assembly and founder of Voice of the Watchmen Ministries in Ontario, Canada, has shared a personal story of how honouring Tony Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings, led to a job offer in under 24 hours. Writing in a piece for Premium Times, Akerele explained that his decision to saturate a letter with respect and reverence opened doors that his résumé alone could not.
Akerele recounted that while living in Europe, he felt a spiritual redirection to return to Nigeria. However, he was in his thirties and knew he could not return without a sustainable income plan. At that point, he had earned an MBA, two bachelor's degrees, and over seven years of professional experience in banking, investment, and mining. He had previously met Elumelu in 2000 when Elumelu was Managing Director of Standard Trust Bank (STB), though no job offer was made then.
Securing a Private Audience at the Dorchester
Akerele managed to obtain Elumelu's private email address and drafted a comprehensive letter expressing his desire to work under his leadership. He made a conscious effort to align Elumelu's global achievements with his own competencies. To his astonishment, he received a personal reply within 24 hours, inviting him to meet at the Dorchester Hotel in London.
Upon arrival, Elumelu instructed him to come to his private suite, where three top executives were present. Elumelu admitted he was astonished by Akerele's audacity but proceeded to discuss his mining and banking experience. Akerele was hired on the spot as an expatriate staff member. He was given £400, which covered his £300 monthly rent at the time, and he immediately called his wife with the news.
The Power of Honour Over Credentials
Akerele emphasised that it was not his technical credentials but the principle of honour that opened the door. He argued that honour can accomplish in a day what skills and qualifications might struggle to achieve over twenty years. He criticised the modern tendency, especially on social media, to display boldness devoid of honour, calling it a "graveyard of honour for this generation."
He also addressed the African context, noting that many hesitate to disclose true ages because respect is measured through age, race, financial status, and corporate position. He stressed the importance of using titles like Madam, Mister, Doctor, or Pastor as symbols of respect, and reserved first-name usage for mutual consent and established familiarity.
Practical Lessons in Deference
Akerele shared a story about a senior spiritual father who asked him to stop addressing him as "Daddy." Akerele respectfully declined, maintaining the posture of deference and addressing his wife as "Mummy." This intentional honour led the couple to open their hearts and home to his family. He also noted that when he recently needed contact information for a prominent worship leader, the same spiritual father facilitated the introduction within 24 hours, proving the practical power of honour.
Akerele concluded that honouring others, whether young or old, rich or poor, is essential for progress. He advised the younger generation to move past casual dismissiveness and rebuild values on honour. He can be reached through his social media channels, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
