Amanze Chinonye
Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has been honoured with the Appeal of Conscience Award by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF), in recognition of his ethical leadership, philanthropy, and contributions to Africa’s economic empowerment.
The award was accepted on his behalf by his wife, Dr. Awele Elumelu, Co-Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, at a gala ceremony in New York attended by global business, faith, and civil society leaders.
Delivering the acceptance remarks, Dr. Awele described the honour as deeply personal, noting that it came amid mourning for six staff members of the Elumelu-led Heirs Holdings Group who recently lost their lives in a tragic accident.
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She led the audience in a moment of silence, describing the deceased as “family, friends, mothers, sons, and daughters hardworking individuals dedicated to building a better Africa.”
She conveyed her husband’s gratitude, saying: “It is an honour to receive this award, one that deeply resonates with my personal values, and it is a privilege to be associated with the legacy represented by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation.”
Elumelu’s philosophy of Africapitalism the belief that Africa’s private sector must drive inclusive growth was at the heart of the recognition. Through Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa, which employs over 40,000 people across four continents, he has invested in power, healthcare, and financial services.
His flagship initiative, the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, has supported more than 24,000 entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries since 2010.
The evening also honoured Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, for leadership in faith and community service.
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Rabbi Arthur Schneier, Founder of ACF, praised Elumelu as “a beacon of ethical entrepreneurship and visionary leadership … a living example of conscience in action.” Gala Chair Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO of Bank of America, added: “Their work in faith, community, and economic empowerment reminds us that progress and conscience go hand in hand.”
About ACF
Founded in 1965 by Rabbi Schneier, the Appeal of Conscience Foundation is an interfaith coalition of business, religious, and political leaders promoting peace, mutual understanding, and human rights. Its work began in Communist-era Europe and now spans the globe, guided by the principle: “live and let live.”
For Nigeria and Africa, the award extends beyond personal recognition. It reflects the rising visibility of African entrepreneurs in shaping global conversations about responsible business and development. In a world confronting inequality, insecurity, and migration pressures, Elumelu’s model of private sector-led growth offers a tested framework for stability and prosperity.
Dr. Awele closed the evening by dedicating the award to “the thousands of Africapitalists across Africa entrepreneurs, innovators, and colleagues who are tirelessly working, often against great odds, to create a better future.”
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