Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, has cancelled his annual TOE All-White Party scheduled for December 23 in honour of six workers who died in the September fire at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos. The fire, which occurred in September, claimed the lives of several staff members and sent shockwaves through the Lagos business community.
In a message shared via his Instagram story on Tuesday, Elumelu said he and his wife, Dr. Awele Elumelu, made the “difficult decision” to suspend this year’s edition of the much-anticipated celebration out of respect for the victims. He said the season would instead be devoted to “reflection and compassion” in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
“We’ve received so many messages from friends asking about our annual TOE All-White Party on 23rd December. Your excitement and tradition mean the world to us. However, due to the recent tragic fire incident that claimed precious lives, Awele and I have made the decision to cancel the party this year,” he wrote.
“This season will be dedicated to remembering, honouring, and holding space for those we lost. They remain forever in our hearts. We look forward to opening our home to you again with love, laughter, and togetherness on 23rd December 2026, by God’s grace,” the statement added.
Elumelu, a billionaire businessman, economist, and philanthropist, is the Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Transcorp, and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation. He was named on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2020. He has been married to Dr. Awele Vivian Elumelu since 1993, and they have seven children.
Source: https://thejournalnigeria.com/
