Tony Elumelu Celebrates 55th Birthday

Dr. Awele Vivien Elumelu, a distinguished physician, philanthropist, and business leader, celebrated her 55th birthday on Sunday, June 23, 2025, receiving heartfelt felicitations from her husband, Tony Elumelu, and Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, marked the occasion with a touching tribute on Instagram, declaring his wife his “forever and always” and sharing stunning photos of her. Dr. Elumelu herself commemorated the milestone by sharing pictures of herself in a champagne-coloured outfit on her own Instagram page, expressing gratitude.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended warm congratulations to Dr. Elumelu through a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. President Tinubu lauded Dr. Elumelu as a distinguished Nigerian whose profound contributions have positively impacted countless lives, particularly women and children across Nigeria and the African continent. He highlighted her visionary leadership as the Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited and as the Founder/CEO of Avon Medical Practice, noting how she has significantly improved access to quality healthcare, especially in underserved communities.
Beyond her medical practice and business acumen, President Tinubu acknowledged Dr. Elumelu's extensive philanthropic efforts. He recalled her 2018 appointment as a Private Sector Champion for Immunisation in Africa by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, where her pivotal role contributed to reaching over 10 million unimmunised children on the continent—an achievement he hailed as a testament to her dedication to saving lives. The President also praised her commitment to healthy living, citing her active participation in marathons globally, which has inspired many to embrace healthier lifestyles through physical fitness and proper diet.
Dr. Elumelu's influence extends to economic empowerment through her roles as a Director on the Board of Heirs Holdings and as a Trustee of The Tony Elumelu Foundation. Through these platforms, she has been instrumental in nurturing young talents and empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs with the skills and opportunities necessary to shape a more prosperous future. President Tinubu expressed profound appreciation for her selfless service to humanity, emphasizing that her philanthropic leadership continues to be a source of inspiration, particularly in supporting community-based interventions. As she marked her 55th birthday, the President offered prayers for her continued good health, abundant blessings, and sustained success in her noble service.
Dr. Awele Elumelu, married to the celebrated banker and philanthropist Mr. Tony Elumelu since 1993, has seen her professional accomplishments grow alongside their enduring marriage. The couple wed when Tony was building his career in banking and Awele was embarking on hers in medicine. Together, they have seven children: five daughters, including a set of triplets, followed by the birth of twin boys on January 5, 2015. She is widely recognized for her strategic efforts to integrate health, enterprise, and development as a sustainable pathway for national growth and social inclusion.