My-Ace China, Fela Durotoye Spotlight Leadership, Nation Building at Strategic Elevation Conference 2026 in Rivers

A packed audience of over 250 entrepreneurs, professionals, business owners and young people converged in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for the Strategic Elevation Conference 2026, a leadership and personal development event that challenged participants to rethink their perspectives, embrace responsibility and position themselves for greater impact in society.

The event was sponsored and hosted by Real Estate Success Strategist and Mayor of Housing, My-Ace China, as part of efforts to promote leadership development, entrepreneurship and the positive repositioning of Rivers State as a hub for innovation and transformational events.

The Mayor of Housing, My-Ace China, 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 participants about N100,000 each, was made free through sponsorship of venue and logistics as part of corporate social responsibility efforts.

“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 positively”.

China described Durotoye’s presence as a major opportunity for participants to gain insights on leadership, personal development and nation building. He added that young people should begin to see themselves as leaders of today, not tomorrow, stressing that prosperity is rooted in responsibility and value creation.

The event was convened by business strategist and author Brian Rueben as part of activities marking his birthday, bringing together thought leaders to inspire conversations around leadership, responsibility and strategic growth.

It featured renowned leadership expert Fela Durotoye as keynote speaker alongside other notable contributors.
Fela Durotoye, in his keynote address, challenged participants to become nation builders by identifying and solving problems within their communities.

Durotoye, whose organisation 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 Rueben for choosing to celebrate his birthday by investing in people’s growth through knowledge sharing rather than personal celebration, while praising the Mayor of Housing and his team for supporting the initiative.

Speaking during the event, Rueben said the conference was designed to help people rethink their perspectives and embrace strategic positioning for success.

According to him, many individuals and organisations struggle not because of poor opportunities but because they view situations 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 in public office but begins with individuals taking responsibility from wherever they find themselves.

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

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”.

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

Goodluck 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 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.