Elumelu Bags Global Honour, Exposes Humanitarian Sides of Business

Elumelu Bags Global Honour, Exposes Humanitarian Sides of Business

The Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu has been honoured with the 2025 Appeal of Conscience Award, a prestigious recognition for his identified humanitarian initiatives.

His wife, Dr Awele Elumelu, received the award on his behalf at the Appeal of Conscience Foundation’s (ACF’s) 60th Annual Gala in New York, where she further delivered his address.

In his speech, the Nigerian banker and African philanthropist mourned the six victims of the recent fire incident at one of UBA’s offices in Lagos, while also dedicating the recognition to colleagues at UBA and Heirs Holdings, as well as Africapitalists, including entrepreneurs and innovators.

According to him, this set of individuals have continued to drive progress on the continent despite daunting odds.

Archbishop of New York and Award Recipient, Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Dr Awele Elumelu, accepting 2025 Appeal of Conscience Award on behalf of her husband, Tony Elumelu, Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation, at the conferment ceremony on Cardinal Dolan and Mr. Elumelu at the 60thAnnual Appeal of Conscience Awards in New York on Monday

The awardee said the recognition resonated deeply with his personal values and the philosophy of Africapitalism – his belief that the private sector must play a transformative role in society.

Speaking through his wife, Elumelu stressed that “humanity first” had always guided his journey, noting his humble beginnings and the responsibility to use success 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.

He highlighted the humanitarian sides of his businesses, pointing out that Heirs Holdings’ investments in power and energy were aimed at lighting up homes, schools, and hospitals, while UBA’s work in financial services was expanding inclusion to the underrepresented.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation, launched in 2010, has since committed over $100 million in direct seed funding to more than 24,000 entrepreneurs across Africa. Elumelu described this as a way of combating despair, insecurity, and forced migration by empowering young Africans to create their own futures.

“The Appeal of Conscience Award strengthens my resolve to do more, to deepen our impact,” he said.

“It is also a call for collaboration with those who share similar values, for in a complicated, divided world, our common humanity matters more than ever.”

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”.