December 03, (THEWILL) — Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, has cancelled his much-anticipated annual All-White Party following the tragic deaths of six workers in a fire in Lagos.
Elumelu, the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and chairman of Heirs Holdings, announced the decision on his social media platforms, describing the incident as “heartbreaking” and emphasising the need to mourn those who lost their lives.
“The All-White Party is a celebration of life, but today, our thoughts are with the families of the six workers who perished in the Lagos fire. In their memory, we will forgo this year’s festivities and focus on supporting the affected families during this difficult time”, Elumelu stated.
The fire, which occurred in September in a commercial area of Lagos, claimed the lives of six employees and injured several others. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the blaze.
Elumelu’s All-White Party has been an annual highlight in Lagos’ social calendar, known for attracting top business leaders, celebrities, and philanthropists from across Africa. This year, however, the focus has shifted from celebration to commemoration.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation has also pledged to assist the families of the deceased workers, including financial support and counselling services.
The Lagos State Fire Service has urged businesses and residents to take precautions to prevent similar tragedies, citing the increasing incidence of fires in crowded commercial areas.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze
