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
Tony Elumelu, chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), has been conferred with the 2025 Appeal of Conscience Award by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, a New York-based interfaith organisation.
The award was presented on Monday at a ceremony in New York.
Elumelu’s wife, Awele, received the honour on his behalf and also delivered his acceptance speech.
Elumelu was announced as a recipient earlier in the month, alongside Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York.
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In his remarks, Elumelu described the recognition as an honour that reflects his lifelong commitment to humanity and Africa’s development.
He dedicated the award to “Africapitalists” which he identified as ententrepreneurs, innovators, and colleagues across the continent working to drive economic growth and transformation.
“It is an honour to receive this award; one that deeply resonates with my personal values, and it is a privilege to be associated with the legacy represented by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation,” Elumelu said.
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Reflecting on his journey, he noted that his philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector as a driver of social and economic change, has guided his investments in energy, financial services, and entrepreneurship.
Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation launched in 2010, he said over 24,000 young African entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries have been trained, mentored, and funded with seed capital exceeding $100 million.
“My businesses span four continents; we employ over 40,000 people — including here in New York, where UBA is the only African bank licensed to take deposits in the United States,” he added.
“I believe in the power of the private sector. Our long-term interests are inextricably linked to the health of our communities.”
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He lauded the Appeal of Conscience Foundation for promoting interfaith dialogue, human rights, and peace for six decades.
Elumelu added that the foundation’s mission aligns with his vision of collaboration to tackle global challenges.
