Nigerian billionaire and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has introduced the cancellation of his extremely anticipated annual TOE All-White Christmas Party, initially slated for December 23, 2025, within the wake of a latest tragic hearth that claimed a number of lives.
In a press release launched on Monday, Mr. Elumelu and his spouse, Awele, expressed their grief over the incident, emphasizing that this yr’s festive season will as a substitute be devoted to honoring these misplaced and supporting their households.
“Your pleasure and custom imply the world to us. Nonetheless, because of the latest tragic hearth incident that claimed valuable lives, Awele and I’ve made the choice to cancel the get together this yr,” the couple mentioned.
The Elumelus reassured supporters that the occasion would return subsequent yr: “We look ahead to opening our house to you once more with love, laughter, and togetherness on December 23, 2026, by God’s grace.”
The annual gathering has change into one among Lagos’ most important social occasions, going down through the metropolis’s “Detty December” festive season, a interval marked by celebration, high-profile leisure, and elite networking. The get together has lengthy served as a platform for each celebrating the yr’s achievements and fostering enterprise and social connections amongst Nigeria’s influential figures.
In regards to the all white get together
Earlier editions of the All-White Party have showcased performances by international music stars akin to Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, and Flavour, drawing attendees from throughout the nation.
The visitor record has included outstanding actors and media personalities, together with Richard Mofe-Damijo, Genevieve Nnaji, Osas Ighodaro, Mercy Eke, Toke Makinwa, Banky W, Adesua Etomi, and Sharon Ooja.
Political leaders and enterprise magnates have additionally been common attendees. Governors akin to Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, and AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara have graced the occasion alongside main industrialists, together with Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Wale Tinubu, Valentine Ozigbo, Gabriel Ogbechie, and Stanley Uzochukwu.
In closing, the Elumelus thanked pals and well-wishers for his or her understanding, wishing everybody a peaceable vacation season: “They continue to be eternally in our hearts.” The couple’s gesture has drawn reward throughout social media, with followers applauding their resolution to honor these affected.
What you need to know
BusinessTimes beforehand reported that on September 16, 2025 the Afriland Towers, a six-story business constructing on Broad Avenue, Lagos Island caught hearth.
The fireplace, which reportedly began within the constructing’s inverter room, unfold quickly by way of stairwells and air-conditioning ducts, ensuing within the deaths of 10 folks, together with workers of the Federal Inland Income Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc. Most victims died from smoke inhalation, highlighting vital security considerations in Nigeria’s high-rise business buildings.
The Lagos State Authorities launched an official inquest to research the causes, compliance with fire-safety rules, and adequacy of emergency procedures. Survivors and the general public have known as for stricter enforcement of fire-safety measures, whereas Afriland Properties Plc has pledged to assessment its buildings’ security protocols and help the households of these affected.