FUNSHO AROGUNDADE
The Chairman, United Bank For Africa Group, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has been conferred with the prestigious Appeal of Conscience Award at the 60th Annual Appeal of Conscience Foundation Gala held on Tuesday, 30th September, 2025 at Waldorf Astoria, New York City, United States.
At the ceremony attended by scores of leaders of faith, business and civil society, Dr. Awele Elumelu received the award on behalf of her husband, Tony, who was named a recipient earlier this month, alongside Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, Archbishop of New York.
Speaking, Rabbi Arthur Schneier, founder of Appeal of Conscience Foundation, said: “Tony Elumelu stands as a beacon of ethical entrepreneurship and visionary leadership. His commitment to uplifting others is a living example of conscience in action.”
In his remarks, Brian Moynihan, Appeal of Conscience Gala Chair, and Chair/CEO, Bank of America, added: “The Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF) has chosen to honour Tony Elumelu and Cardinal Dolan because they personify moral leadership and global responsibility that ACF stands for. Their works in faith, community and economic empowerment remind us that progress and conscience go hand in hand.”
Elumelu, in his acceptance speech, said it is an honour to receive the award as it deeply resonates with his personal values, while it’s a privilege to be associated with the legacy represented by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation and Rabbi Arthur Schneier.
“Humanity first: that has been the core of my life; what keeps me up at night: how can we transform lives across Africa? How do we leave a legacy that uplifts people and creates opportunity for everyone?
“I was not born with a silver spoon, I was not educated abroad, I inherited nothing. I was blessed with determination, but also luck. That determination, and that luck have brought material success. I have been rewarded with a wonderful family, with privileges, with the capacity to bring about change.
“The American tradition of philanthropy, the tradition we see so clearly in this room today, has always inspired me. The great names that built America in the Gilded Age, the new generation that has endowed universities, research and culture. I was conscious right from the beginning that we needed to give back. And to give back in a way that catalytically changes our continent, Africa.
“I am not one to blame others. I also – and my career demonstrates this – know that Africa is full of opportunity. In fact, I think no other continent offers such opportunity,” Elumelu stated.
The billionaire magnate noted that he believes in the power of the private sector. “This is the core of the philosophy I call Africapitalism. I know the private sector’s long-term interests are inextricably linked to the health of our communities. My businesses span four continents; we employ over 40,000 people – including here in New York – where we have the United Bank for Africa (UBA), the only African bank that can take deposits in the United States of America.
“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.
“And through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, a personal commitment we made in 2010, we have identified, trained, mentored, and provided over USD100 million in seed funding to over 24,000 young African entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries.
“By empowering a generation with economic opportunities and the means to shape their own destinies, we are combatting the despair that fuels economic instability, migration, and insecurity. But there’s more to be done. Thus, the Appeal of Conscience Foundation award not only strengthens my resolve to do more, to deepen our impact, but it is a call out for collaboration with those who share similar values,” he said.
Meanwhile, Elumelu has dedicated the award to the thousands of Africapitalists across the African continent, “who relentlessly create the Africa we envision; the young entrepreneurs, innovators, and my colleagues across Heirs Holdings Group who are working tirelessly, often against great odds, to create a better future, to improve lives and transform Africa.
“This award is for them. It is a recognition of their resilience and a symbol of our shared commitment to building bridges of hope and prosperity across Africa and the world.
“To my family – my dear wife and children – whose constant support is a source of strength.”
Founded in 1965 by a Jewish Rabbi, Arthur Schneier, the ACF is an interfaith alliance of religious, business, and political leaders committed to promoting peace and mutual understanding around the world.
Presented annually by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, the Appeal of Conscience Award recognises individuals whose leadership embodies tolerance, religious freedom, and human dignity.