VFD Group, a prominent proprietary investment firm, has unveiled its new organisational culture framework, RIDEE—an acronym for Respect, Inclusion, Dynamism, Execution, and Entrepreneurship—during a landmark event held at its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.
The launch represents a defining step in the Group’s strategic evolution, reinforcing its commitment to embedding values that will shape its long-term, global growth trajectory.
The event brought together an array of esteemed business leaders and stakeholders, with Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, UBA, and Transcorp Group, attending as the Special Guest of Honour.
Other key figures in attendance included Mr. Tunde Busari, SAN, Chairman of VFD Group; Mr. Nonso Okpala, Group Managing Director; Mr. Adeniyi Adenubi, Non-Executive Director and Art Patron; Mr. Azubike Emordi, Managing Director of Afriland Properties, as well as a number of VFD’s ecosystem partners.
In his remarks, Chairman Tunde Busari highlighted the foundational role culture plays in building strong African institutions.
“This moment is symbolic. It represents a deeper shift in how we see ourselves and how we choose to grow. Culture has always been the thread that connects ambition to action. Today, we have made that thread visible,” he said.
He stressed that for African companies to thrive sustainably, culture must transcend tradition and be fully integrated into their operational systems.
Paying tribute to his mentor, Group MD Nonso Okpala spoke of Mr. Elumelu’s profound impact on his leadership journey.
“Many of you have heard me say I got my PhD at Heirs Holdings. That time was formative. Every day under a leader like Mr. Elumelu was a chance to stretch my thinking and sharpen my execution,” he noted.
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Okpala credited Elumelu’s leadership for instilling the values of mentorship, continuity, and institutional legacy in his own professional path.
The RIDEE framework is the outcome of a year-long internal journey—marked by reflection, employee engagement, and a deep dive into the behaviours that have defined VFD’s 15-year success story.
Describing RIDEE as more than a set of values, Elmer Aluge, Soft Power Inclusion Specialist, said:
“RIDEE is a behavioural contract. When defined clearly, it becomes an operating system. It offers VFD a shared language that binds identity, execution, and scale across its global network.”
Now formally adopted, RIDEE will guide decision-making, drive autonomy among teams, and promote cohesive leadership across the Group’s growing portfolio.
In his keynote address, Mr. Elumelu charged VFD Group to remain purpose-driven and relentless in pursuit of excellence.
“Excellence is in going the extra mile,” he said, urging the company to lead with vision, resilience, and impact.
