At the grand ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria, New York City, global leaders gathered for the 60th Annual Gala of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF), a night dedicated to celebrating moral leadership, compassion, and the power of business to drive peace and progress. Among the honorees was Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony Elumelu, who received the prestigious 2025 Appeal of Conscience Award.
The recognition, conferred by the globally respected interfaith organization, celebrates individuals whose vision and integrity inspire social responsibility and promote coexistence across borders.
Although Elumelu could not attend in person, his wife, Dr. Awele Elumelu, accepted the award on his behalf. In an emotional address, she expressed gratitude while also acknowledging the somber mood within the Elumelu Group following the recent tragic loss of six colleagues. Her speech, both heartfelt and dignified, captured the dual emotions of pride and grief that defined the moment.
In his remarks, Elumelu, founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and a leading proponent of Africapitalism, reaffirmed his belief that success must be measured not only by wealth but by impact. “True success,” he noted, “carries the responsibility to uplift others.” Through his foundation, Elumelu has committed $100 million to empower more than 24,000 African entrepreneurs with seed funding, training, and mentorship, – a testament to his conviction that Africa’s private sector holds the key to the continent’s transformation.
Beyond philanthropy, Elumelu serves as Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Transcorp, and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) — the only African bank licensed to accept deposits in the United States. His leadership across these institutions underscores a consistent message: that Africa can produce business leaders who shape the global economy with integrity and vision.
Rabbi Arthur Schneier, founder and president of the ACF, described Elumelu as “a symbol of ethical leadership and a beacon of hope for global business.”
For Elumelu, this recognition is more than a personal milestone, it is a validation of a generation of African leaders who are redefining capitalism, blending profit with purpose, and proving that business can indeed be a force for good.
