The Tony Elumelu Foundation values the important contributions of all associates during the internship program. Every year, we recognise individuals who have gone above and beyond expectations in their work with our host companies, as well as the Foundation, with the following awards:

The Tony Elumelu Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship

This award, named for TEF Founder and prolific entrepreneur Tony O. Elumelu, MFR, will go to an AMIP associate who has demonstrated excellence in entrepreneurship. The candidate will have displayed exceptional creativity, discipline, work ethic, passion, initiative, execution and risk-taking during their internship in a way that will add lasting value to the host business, Foundation, or the local environment.

The Michael Porter Award for Best Competitive Strategy

This award, named for TEF Founding Patron, Professor Michael Porter, will go to an AMIP associate who has applied unique problem-solving approaches and paradigms to their work in such a way that has enhanced his or her host business’ competitiveness. The candidate will have displayed exceptional critical thinking, differentiation, focus, and innovation.

The Chief Ebitimi E. Banigo Award for Best CEO Mentor

This award, named for Chief Ebitimi E. Banigo, Tony O. Elumelu’s most influential mentor early in his career, will go to an AMIP CEO who has gone beyond the scope of his or her work to provide an exceptional work experience, as well as an invaluable life experience, to an AMIP associate. This CEO will have gone the extra mile to anticipate, respond to, and cultivate an associate’s professional aspirations, as well as having taken an interest in the associate as an individual. This CEO will have demonstrated apt resourcefulness, execution and is solutions-oriented at all times.