Tony Elumelu’s Wife Awele: 7 Things that Make Her a Power Player

Awele Vivien Elumelu is a woman with a multitude of achievements making her one of the powerful players in the Africa scene. As the wife of notable Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, she has carved out her own remarkable path. Alongside her profession as a medical doctor, she is also a co-founder of a non-profit organisation, among various other accomplishments.

Dr. Elumelu has exerted a pivotal influence across multiple sectors as a businesswoman, fostering business growth and generating avenues for employment. Her contributions show the potential for women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields, igniting inspiration among numerous young women to chase after their aspirations.

Let’s look at some of her endeavours that place her as one of the powerful African women. 

Awele is a Non-Executive Director of Heirs Holding

Awele Elumelu, a pivotal force in African entrepreneurship, holds a position of Non-executive Director at Heirs Holdings. This family-owned investment firm, founded by Tony Elumelu, to improve lives and transform Africa through long-term investments benefits from her strategic insights and exemplifies her impactful role in shaping the company’s direction and driving economic growth across the continent.

She is the Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited 

As one of the non- executive directors of Heirs Holdings, she manages the healthcare investments within the portfolio of Heirs Holdings. Having been described as a leading voice in African healthcare, she is the Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, the foremost health insurance provider in Nigeria, and as the Founder/CEO of Avon Medical Practice.

Awele became Transcorp 3rd Highest Shareholder

Awele Elumelu’s ascendancy as a power player in the business realm is also underscored by her remarkable feat of becoming Transcorp’s third-highest shareholder. With the acquisition of an impressive 2,063,484,991 shares, Awele now commands a substantial 5.076% stake in Transcorp. 

This strategic move follows closely after her husband, Tony Elumelu, secured the majority of shares. As Transcorp continues its trajectory of growth and prosperity, Awele’s influential role solidifies her position as a significant force in shaping Africa’s economic landscape.

She was a public–private global health partnership organisation

As a result of her medical expertise which encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, gynaecology, and emergency medicine, Dr. Elumelu was appointed and assumed the role of Africa’s Immunization Champion, a designation conferred by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) in 2018.

In this capacity, she utilises her extensive knowledge, corporate connections, and insights derived from the realms of healthcare and business to advocate for vaccination and immunisation across Africa.

She was appointed to the Yale Institute for Global Health Advisory Board

While she worked and collaborated with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital within Nigeria and extended her contributions to Grantham and District Hospital in Grantham in the Uk, Awele was appointed and assumed a position on the Advisory Board of the Yale Institute for Global Health In a significant development in November 2020.

She serves as a co-founder and trustee of TEF

Awele Elumelu has also revealed her pivotal role as a co-founder and trustee of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). Her visionary leadership serves as the driving force behind TEF’s unwavering commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs across Africa, cementing her legacy as a catalyst for positive change and economic growth.

Awele’s influence on entrepreneurship across Africa 

Awele Elumelu’s influence on African entrepreneurship is remarkable, shaped by her co-founding and trusteeship of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). Her dynamic leadership amplifies TEF’s impact, fostering an inclusive ecosystem that empowers female entrepreneurs through mentorship and funding.

Beyond TEF, her role as a top shareholder in Transcorp showcases strategic prowess. Awele’s entrepreneurial journey mirrors Awele, the traditional game, embodying adaptability and calculated decision-making. Her trailblazing efforts fuel innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth, solidifying her as a potent force driving economic progress across the continent.