Tony Elumelu, the billionaire philanthropist, has cancelled his annual All-White Christmas Party, which was scheduled for December 23, 2025, as a mark of respect for the victims of a recent fire incident in Lagos. The fire, which occurred at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, claimed the lives of six people, including some of Elumelu’s staff members.
In a statement, Elumelu and his wife, Awele, expressed their grief and shock over the tragedy, stating that they wanted to dedicate the festive season to honoring the victims and supporting their families. The couple reassured their guests that the event would resume next year, saying, “We look forward to opening our home to you again with love, laughter, and togetherness on December 23, 2026, by God’s grace”.
The cancellation of the party has been widely praised on social media, with many acknowledging Elumelu’s thoughtful decision to prioritize the victims and their families during this difficult time. Elumelu has also announced that a minute’s silence would be observed across all his companies in honor of the victims, and a memorial service would be held in the coming days.
