Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and the Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, have been honoured with the 2025 Appeal of Conscience Award for their exemplary leadership and humanitarian contributions.
The award, presented annually by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF), recognises global leaders whose values embody tolerance, religious freedom, and human dignity.
Elumelu, represented at the gala by his wife, Dr. Awele Elumelu, Co-Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, said receiving the award was a profound honour that aligned with his life’s mission to uplift communities through ethical entrepreneurship.
“It is an honour to receive this award; one that deeply resonates with my personal values. It is a privilege to be associated with the legacy represented by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation and Rabbi Arthur Schneier,” he stated.
Tribute Amid Grief
Elumelu expressed sorrow over the recent loss of six colleagues in a tragic incident at Afriland Towers, describing them as “family, friends, mothers, sons, and daughters” whose deaths left a painful void.
“It is with a heavy heart, weighed by recent and profound loss, that I accept this award. Their absence reminds us of the fragility of life and the urgency of our mission to build a better Africa,” he said.
Africapitalism and Philanthropy
Reflecting on his journey, Elumelu recalled his humble beginnings, attributing his success to determination and luck. He said those values now drive his philosophy of Africapitalism the belief that the private sector holds the key to Africa’s transformation.
“My businesses span four continents, employing over 40,000 people, including in New York where UBA operates as the only African bank licensed to take deposits in the U.S. At Heirs Holdings, our investments in power, energy and finance are missions to transform lives, create inclusion, and drive economic opportunity,” he explained.
Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Elumelu noted that over 24,000 African entrepreneurs across all 54 countries have received training, mentorship and seed funding worth more than $100 million since 2010.
Global Recognition
Rabbi Arthur Schneier, founder of ACF, praised Elumelu as a “beacon of ethical entrepreneurship and visionary leadership,” stressing that business can be a powerful force for peace and human dignity.
Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO of Bank of America, who served as Gala Chair, added: “Elumelu and Cardinal Dolan personify moral leadership and global responsibility. Their works in faith, community, and economic empowerment remind us that progress and conscience go hand in hand.”
Concluding his remarks, Elumelu dedicated the award to “Africapitalists across Africa” young innovators, entrepreneurs, and colleagues within the Heirs Holdings Group whom he said are “working tirelessly, often against great odds, to create a better future and transform Africa.”
