DBR international conference series: How strategic elevation techniques can boost Niger Delta economy

…‘Strategic Elevation Conference 2026’ births for first time in PH, targets Rivers’ youths repositioning toward leadership for nation-building

Brian Reuben is an internationally acclaimed resource person and author of many books who attracts heads of states in his conferences that teach strategy, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He is known as the Executive Chairman of the 16th Council in the United Kingdom.

The Nigerian is a globally respected strategist, speaker, and author who has written several acclaimed books on business strategy, leadership, and personal development.

The conference series is called the ‘Dr Brian Reuben Conference Series’. Some are called the ‘Conclave’ while some are called ‘Strategic Elevation’.

Collaborating with the Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, Reuben brought the ‘Strategic Elevation Conference’ which is held around top countries of the world to Port Harcourt, centre of the Niger Delta, for the first time. It was also to honour his 2026 birthday on June 12.

On the day at the uniquely located Heliconia Hotel & Suites close to the NLNG administrative headquarters on Eastern By-Pass, a packed audience of over 250 entrepreneurs, professionals, business owners and young people converged in one of the auditoriums. The leadership and personal development event was to challenge participants to rethink their perspectives, embrace responsibility, and position themselves for greater impact in society.

The ‘Strategic Elevation Conference 2026’ was said to be part of efforts to promote leadership development and entrepreneurship in Rivers State and Niger Delta region where strategic leadership seems to be in high demand.

Read also: Rivers CIPM 27th conference to focus on the future of work, organizational stability

The conference brought together notable speakers, including leadership expert and President of Gemstone Nation Builders, Fela Durotoye, to inspire participants on leadership, nation-building and strategic growth

Speaking during the event, the convener (Rueben) said the conference was designed to help people understand the importance of strategic positioning in achieving success and navigating changing realities.

According to him, many individuals and organisations struggle not because of poor products or saturated markets but because they are viewing opportunities from the wrong perspective.

“Strategic elevation is about rising above the noise of competition to conceive and perceive markets and people differently. There comes a point in life when if you don’t elevate, you cannot go further”.

The leadership coach stressed that leadership is not reserved for those occupying public offices but begins with individuals taking responsibility from wherever they find themselves.

He noted that Port Harcourt possesses the potential to become a global city if citizens commit themselves to solving societal challenges rather than merely pursuing financial gains.

Addressing young people, Rueben urged them to make decisions with the future in mind and avoid sacrificing long-term aspirations for temporary benefits.

“It is your responsibility as a young person to make a difference in your time. Think about the next ten years and ask yourself whether you’ll be proud of the decisions you’re making today”.

Reuben, Executive Chairman of the 16th Council in the United Kingdom, urged young people to embrace responsible leadership and strategic thinking, warning them against trading their future for temporary gains.

The leadership masterclass presenter described the seminar as an eye-opener’, saying participants were being challenged to rethink their perspectives and reposition themselves for greater impact.

Central to his presentation was the concept of strategic elevation, which he described as the ability to change one’s perspective in order to achieve better outcomes.

According to Reuben, the quality of a person’s results is largely determined by their vantage point. He said when efforts continue to produce diminishing returns, the problem may not be the product or the market, but the individual’s position and approach.

He explained that strategic elevation required rising above competition and familiar patterns to see opportunities from a broader perspective. Without intentional repositioning, he said, meaningful progress becomes difficult.

Among the key lessons shared were: Declining results often indicate that old methods are no longer sufficient; Failure is not always caused by poor products or saturated markets, but by limited perspective; Strategic elevation enables individuals and organizations to identify new opportunities for growth; and that sustainable progress requires continuous repositioning and innovation.

He urged participants to see leadership beyond titles. Drawing from leadership expert John Maxwell, Reuben emphasized that everything rises and falls on leadership, noting that leadership provides the direction that people follow.

He stressed that leadership is not reserved for those occupying political or executive offices but is a responsibility that begins wherever an individual finds themselves.

While acknowledging that leadership challenges exist across the world, he expressed optimism about the future of Port Harcourt, saying the city possesses the potential to become a global destination if its people embrace responsibility and service.

According to him, societies develop when individuals focus on solving problems through valuable goods and services rather than pursuing money alone. In that mindset, every complaint becomes an opportunity to create solutions and drive transformation.

On what looks like a timely message for young people, he addressed concerns over the electioneering season and the exploitation of youths by politicians for criminal activities. Reuben delivered a strong message on the importance of making wise choices.

He cautioned young people against exchanging their future for temporary rewards, urging them not to sacrifice their tomorrow for peanuts.

He reminded the audience that every decision carries consequences and encouraged them to think beyond immediate gratification. Rather than being influenced by money, political promises, or short-term positions, he urged youths to reflect on the next decade of their lives and ask whether they would be proud of the decisions they are making today.

The message served as a call to responsible citizenship, intentional leadership, and long-term thinking, challenging young people to become agents of transformation instead of instruments of destruction.

Fela Durotoye:

In his keynote address, Fela Durotoye, leadership development expert, challenged participants to become nation-builders by identifying and solving problems within their communities.

Durotoye, whose organization, Gemstone, focuses on raising leaders committed to national development, said Nigeria’s transformation depends on citizens discovering their purpose and using their gifts to address societal needs.

“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”.

The former presidential aspirant also commended the convener, Rueben, for choosing to celebrate his birthday by investing in people’s growth through knowledge sharing rather than focusing on personal celebrations.

He equally praised the Mayor of Housing and his team for supporting initiatives that build leaders and solve societal problems. “These are people who are solving problems. That’s what leadership is all about.”

Referring to Ruben’s work and his book, ‘The Strategic Elevation’, Durotoye said the strategist has consistently challenged people to elevate their thinking in order to see opportunities differently and maximize their potential.

He concluded by expressing confidence that the ideas shared during the conference would have a lasting impact on Port Harcourt and beyond.

His message was clear: a better Nigeria begins with a better you, and every citizen who discovers a problem worth solving becomes a catalyst for national transformation.

Mayor of Housing:

Explaining the rationale behind hosting the conference, China, the Real Estate Success Strategist and Mayor of Housing, who is the founder and chairman of the Mayor of Housing Group, said the initiative aligns with his commitment to promoting Rivers State as a destination for business, innovation and transformational events.

He revealed that the conference, which would ordinarily cost each participant about N100,000, was made free through sponsorship of the venue and logistics as part of the organisation’s corporate social responsibility efforts.

China, promoter of the upcoming Alesa Highlands Sustainable Green Smart City, said: “When Dr. Brian Rueben shared the vision of holding a value conference on his birthday to give back to people, we volunteered to host it because bringing that value to Rivers people aligns with our mission of marketing Rivers State and Port Harcourt positively”.

The CSR mogul described the presence of Durotoye as a major opportunity for participants to gain insights on leadership, personal development and nation building.

Reflecting on lessons from the conference, he said one of the most profound messages was that young people should no longer see themselves as leaders of tomorrow but as leaders of today.

“The prosperity of Rivers State is not in oil. The prosperity of Rivers State is in the person you see in the mirror. When individuals embrace responsibility and deliver value, Rivers State will work for everyone”.

China said youths are the leaders of today, not tomorrow anymore. He said the true wealth of Rivers State is not hidden beneath its soil but reflected in its people. This was the central message delivered by the Mayor of Housing, the real estate success strategist.

He reiterated the importance of the strategic elevation conference, saying Reuben, the globally acclaimed business strategist and author did well to bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, and emerging leaders for a day of learning centered on leadership, strategy, and transformation.

Reflecting on the keynote address delivered by Durotoye, the renowned leadership expert, China said one lesson stood out above all others.

He challenged the long-held belief that young people are merely the leaders of tomorrow, describing it as one of the greatest misconceptions passed down through generations.

“Our children and our youth are not the leaders of tomorrow. They are the leaders of today.”

According to him, society must intentionally equip young people with leadership capacity, responsibility, and maturity so they can effectively lead in the present rather than wait for an uncertain future.

China also summarized his own presentation, which centered on the principle of positioning.

He defined positioning as the intersection of two realities: who a person has become and where that person chooses to look from.

In every marketplace, he said, some people see obstacles while others discover opportunities. The difference, went on, is not the market itself but the mindset and programming of the individual. “The same market where some see trash is the same market where others find treasure.”

He explained that people often perceive more of what they have been conditioned to see than what actually exists.

According to him, the most destructive programming is a mindset dominated by blame, complaints, and excuses, while the most productive programming is built on commitment, responsibility, and accountability.

Putting it succinctly, he said the prosperity in Rivers State is not the oil. “The prosperity in Rivers State is in the person you see in the mirror.”

He urged citizens to stop waiting for a political or economic savior and instead accept personal responsibility for building the future they desire.

By developing their own potential and showcasing the strengths of Rivers State to the world, he argued, individuals can contribute to a more prosperous society while creating opportunities for themselves.

His closing message was both a challenge and a call to action: embrace responsibility, unlock the treasure within, and participate actively in shaping the future of Rivers State, because those unwilling to do so risk being left behind.

Victor Emelatobi Jnr:

Victor Emelatobi Jnr, an executive in the Mayor of Housing Group, in his presentation, threw a lot of light on ‘Executive Presence’ which he said means the aura of leadership and the ability to inspire people to do.

He cautioned that executive aura must not translate to arrogance. “Your executive aura involves your communication scale, not excluding your dress sense.”

He stated: “One thing Durotoye said that stuck is that leaders show you how, and that leaders have followers but rulers have slaves. So in your cycle of strategic growth, if you’re not growing as a follower, then know that you’re following a ruler. What that simply means is that you’re a slave.

“So, it’s time to get out and start following real leaders or become the leader. Leaders are not inspired by anybody, they are self-inspired.

“So you’re waiting for ginger motivation, no, that’s you right there, what do you want to do? Can you communicate it enough for people to follow you and drive in that direction? Then you have it right there, you’re a leader.

Excited participants:

Participants at the conference said the sessions had inspired them enough to take responsibility for personal growth and societal development.

This may be because when a globally renowned organizational strategist speaks, industry leaders listen. This was the sentiment echoed by Goodluck Esogwai, National Housing Manager at Capital City Estates, following a transformative session anchored by Durotoye.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Esogwai shared his key takeaways from the masterclass, emphasizing Durotoye’s profound impact on strategic organizational positioning. However, it was the message on personal responsibility and nation-building that resonated most deeply with the real estate executive.

“That was a mind shift that has to do with nation-building, taking responsibility as individuals, as leaders in pioneering and campaigning for a mind shift, campaigning for change, campaigning for positivity,” said Esogwai.

On core takeaways on modern leadership, Esogwai noted that the session challenged conventional corporate thinking, highlighting several principles that redefined his perspective on effective management and growth.

He mentioned them as redefining leadership: Moving away from the traditional view of leadership as mere authority or a title.

The Power of Influence: Understanding that true leadership is fundamentally rooted in the ability to influence others positively.

Decisive Action: The necessity of making bold, decisive moves to enact real change within organizations.

Nation-Building: Recognizing that corporate leaders play a pivotal role in the broader scope of national development and cultural shifts.

Esogwai said: “Getting to learn that leadership is not just about authority, it’s about taking responsibility, it’s about making decisive moves for change”, adding that the masterclass was an amazing day of learning.

This striking reflection on leadership and professional growth challenged individuals to closely evaluate the true nature of their work environments and mentors.

Reflecting on the leadership masterclass, another attendee highlighted a crucial distinction between genuine leadership and mere authority, sharing one of the session’s most thought-provoking lessons.

Many said they were touched by the slogan that leaders have followers, and rulers have slaves. The statement, though simple, is said to carry profound implications for anyone seeking personal and professional growth.

According to some of the participants, the speaker made them understand that the ultimate measure of the environment one belongs to is his own development. “If you are committed to growth yet remain stagnant, it may be an indication that you are serving under a ruler rather than learning from a leader.

“If you’re not growing as a follower, then know that you’re following a ruler. And what that simply means is that you’re a slave,” they quoted the speaker who urged individuals to either seek out authentic leaders or become one themselves.

They said the reflection challenged conventional ideas of leadership by emphasizing that real leaders develop people rather than merely command them. Leadership is now understood to be measured not by control, but by the ability to raise others who can grow, think, and lead in their own right.

For professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizational leaders, the message was clear: an environment that suppresses growth is one that should be questioned.

It is about being self-inspired, not motivation-dependent. The session also explored the internal qualities that distinguish leaders from followers. Contrary to the popular belief that success depends on external motivation, the speaker argued that authentic leaders are driven from within.

The understanding is that leaders are not inspired by anybody; leaders are self-inspired. “Rather than waiting for encouragement or motivation, leaders cultivate a compelling vision and take ownership of pursuing it. They possess the ability to communicate that vision so effectively that others willingly align with and contribute to it.”

The participants understood the speaker to show that this capacity to inspire action through a clearly communicated purpose is one of the defining characteristics of leadership.

“If you can communicate what you want to do well enough for people to follow you and drive in that direction, then you have it right there. You’re a leader.”

The reflection serves as both a challenge and an invitation: evaluate who you are following, assess whether you are growing, and embrace the responsibility of becoming the kind of leader who inspires transformation rather than demands submission.

Esogwai described the conference as transformative, noting that the presentations deepened his understanding of leadership and nation building. “Leadership is not about authority or position; it’s about influence, responsibility and making decisive moves for positive change”.

Another participant, Precious Nwokansu, said the event taught her that greatness is achievable regardless of one’s background.

She added that building strategic relationships and learning from people who have achieved desired goals are critical to personal success.

“I’m so grateful to be here. My take home today is that anybody can be great no matter where you are coming from and you have to be strategic in looking for the right relationship that can put you in the position where you are going to”.

The conference concluded with renewed calls for leadership, innovation and active citizenship, as participants pledged to apply lessons learned towards personal growth and community development.