Nigerian banker and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, has received the prestigious 2025 Appeal of Conscience Award, in recognition of his commitment to humanitarian causes and sustainable private sector-led development across Africa.
The award, organised by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF), was received on his behalf by his wife, Awele Elumelu, a medical doctor, at the Foundation’s 60th Annual Gala in New York.
Mr Elumelu, who described the award as both a recognition and a challenge, also delivered a moving speech that blended tribute, philanthropy, and a call for deeper collaboration in addressing global challenges.
Tribute amid loss
The honouree, who serves as the Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Heirs Holdings, accepted the honour against the backdrop of the recent tragedy that hit his company.
He seized the international stage to observe a moment of silence in memory of the six colleagues lost in a fire incident in Lagos, Nigeria, describing them as “family, friends, mothers, sons, and daughters” who were dedicated to building a better Africa.
“Humanity first”
In his remarks, also delivered by his wife, the business leader emphasised that “humanity first” had always guided his journey through life.
Reflecting on his humble beginnings, he noted that success came not from privilege, but from determination and luck, and that this success carried with it the obligation to uplift others.
He cited UBA’s presence in New York, where it remains the only African bank licensed to take deposits in the United States, as proof of Africa’s global potential.
Mr Elumelu underscored that UBA and Heirs Holdings have always sought to embed humanitarian values in their operations across various sectors.
He said: “I know the private sector’s long-term interests are inextricably linked to the health of our communities.
“At Heirs Holdings, when we invest in energy and power, we see it as a mission to light up homes, schools, and hospitals. When we create value in the financial services industry, we drive inclusion, offering the underrepresented a stake in the economy.”
Entrepreneurship as a solution
Speaking further, he noted that he and his family have committed over $100 million in direct seed funding to more than 24,000 entrepreneurs across Africa through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, launched in 2010.
He explained that the initiative is fighting despair, insecurity, and forced migration by empowering young Africans to create their own futures.
“By empowering a generation with economic opportunities and the means to shape their own destinies, we are combating the despair that fuels economic instability, migration, and insecurity,” he said.
Award
The 2025 Appeal of Conscience Award was conferred on Mr Elumelu and the Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, as another recipient.
ACF Founder Rabbi Schneier praised Mr Elumelu for his role in promoting ethical business practices and youth empowerment across Africa.
Mr Schneir said: “Tony Elumelu stands as a beacon of ethical entrepreneurship and visionary leadership. Business can be a powerful force for peace, stability, and human dignity. His commitment to uplifting others is a living example of conscience in action.
“His philosophy of Africapitalism, which champions the role of the private sector in driving social and economic development, has garnered international acclaim”.
Appeal of Conscience Gala Chair, Brian Moynihan, who doubles as Chief Executive Officer of Bank of America, also explained that ACF had chosen to honor Mr Elumelu and Cardinal Dolan because they personify moral leadership and global responsibility that ACF stands for.
He said: “Their works in faith, community, and economic empowerment remind us that progress and conscience go hand in hand.”
Elumelu’s remarks
Meanwhile, Mr Elumelu described the honour as both a recognition and a challenge to do more, to deepen impact, and to work with others who share common values.
“In a complicated, divided world, our common humanity matters more than ever,” he said.
He dedicated the award to “Africapitalists” across Africa, including entrepreneurs, innovators, and colleagues at UBA and Heirs Holdings, who, he noted, despite daunting odds, continue to drive progress on the continent.
“This award is for them,” Elumelu said, describing it as both a recognition of their resilience and a symbol of shared commitment to building bridges of hope and prosperity across Africa and the world.
