Nigerian industrialist and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has been nominated to receive the Appeal of Conscience Award at the 60th Annual Gala in New York.
He is to be honoured alongsidewirrjfg the Archbishop of New York, Timothy Cardinal Dolan.
The organisers of the Award, Appeal of Conscience Foundation, announced this in a statement issued by PR Newswire on Thursday, September 4.
The annual gala is to be held on September 29, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.
Elumelu, who wears many hats, is currently the chairman of Heirs Holdings, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).
Founded by Rabbi Arthur Schneier in 1965, the Appeal of Conscience Foundation is an interfaith coalition of business, religious, and diplomatic leaders that advocates for peace, religious liberty, and respect the other.
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The award is presented to public figures who exemplify enlightened leadership and uphold the principle that “a crime committed in the name of religion is the greatest crime against religion.”
“Tony Elumelu stands as a beacon of ethical entrepreneurship and visionary leadership, said Schneier.
“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.”
The organiser of the Award noted that as chairman of Heirs Holdings and UBA, and founder of TEF, Elumelu is investing across financial services, power, resources, healthcare, real estate and hospitality.
He is seen championing youth entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and African-led development through his philosophy of “Africapitalism” – the idea that the private sector must play a central role in driving social and economic progress.
Through his enduring $100 million-plus commitment, the TEF’s entrepreneurship programme has selected and funded over 24,000 African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries.
Other initiatives, including the BeGreen Africa program, have further expanded this impact, equipping 1,600 innovative green businesses with the skills and support to advance environmental sustainability, drive climate action, and create jobs for Africa’s youth.
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Elumelu’s family-owned investment Group, Heirs Holdings, recently released a 15-year impact report which highlights how the Group’s corporate social responsibility activities have positively impacted over 500,000 people, reflecting its steadfast commitment to improving lives and transforming the African continent, they added.
Accepting his nomination, Elumelu remarked, “To be honoured by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation is to be reminded that leadership is about service.
“This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue empowering the next generation and building bridges of hope and prosperity across the globe. I accept it on behalf of all those who embody Africapitalism, working tirelessly to create opportunities and build a better future for all.”
Chair and CEO of Bank of America, Brian Moynihan, who will chair the event, remarked, “The Appeal of Conscience Foundation, headed by Rabbi Schneier, has chosen to honour Cardinal Dolan and Tony Elumelu 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. As a past recipient of this honour, I am proud to support the Appeal of Conscience in elevating those who build bridges of understanding and lead with courage and compassion.”
Pinnacle Daily reports that previous honourees include Bernard Arnault, Mary Barra, Marta Batmasian, Barbara Bush, Michael Bloomberg, Albert Bourla, Archbishop Elpidophoros, Robert Iger, Muhtar Kent, and Coretta Scott King.
Others are Robert Kraft, Brian Moynihan, Virginia Rometty, Stephen A. Schwarzman, Masayoshi Son, Paul Volcker, Timotheus Höttges, Stephen M. Ross, Susan Wojcicki, and Dr. Rong Yiren.
Alex is a business journalist cum data enthusiast with the Pinnacle Daily. He can be reached via ealex@thepinnacleng.com, @ehime_alex on X
