In Providing Care for Society’s Most Vulnerable, Tony Elumelu’s Family Reinforces Import of Giving

 In a heartwarming act of generosity, the Tony Elumelu family has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to supporting the vulnerable by donating ₦30 million each and essential food items to three orphanages in Lagos. Flagged off by Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, the initiative aims to address critical needs such as rent, medical care, and daily sustenance for children in these homes. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that this latest outreach was part of a larger philanthropic programme that will see seven more orphanages across Nigeria receive similar aid in the coming weeks

Philanthropy is not just about giving; it’s about touching lives and making a difference. Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Heirs Holding and Transcorp, known for his dedication to uplifting communities across Nigeria, has once again with his family, demonstrated the power of such impactful giving by donating ₦30 million each and essential food supplies to three orphanages in Lagos. 

This year, the donation flagged off by his wife, Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, underscored their unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of Nigeria’s most vulnerable—its children.

The donation drive kicked off at the Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice in Surulere, an institution that caters to children with severe health challenges, many of whom require ongoing medical care. The hospice, which has struggled with limited resources over the years, received much-needed financial support and food supplies that will ease its burden.

After a tour of the hospice and sharing laugh and hugs with the children, Dr. Awele highlighted the family’s resolve to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children across the country. “We recognise the ongoing needs of children in these homes. This initiative is part of our effort to provide both immediate relief and long-term support. Everyone has a role to play—whether through cash, kind, or time—to make a difference in the lives of these children,” she said.

A Needs-tailored Giving

It wasn’t just giving, it was one tailored to meet the specific needs of the orphanages and care homes. At the flag off, the Elumelu family’s donations extended beyond Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice to two other homes: the Open Arms of Mercy Orphanage in Ago , Okota and the Atunda Olu School for the Physically and Mentally Challenged, in Surulere. 

Each orphanage received 33 cartons of Indomie noodles, 20 bags of rice, 20 bags of beans, 10 bags of sugar, 10 cartons of milk, 10 cartons of Milo, and ₦10 million. These donations were carefully tailored to meet the specific needs of the homes, with the financial contributions aimed at covering expenses such as rent, medical care, and surgeries.

The thoughtful planning that went into this outreach was evident in the way the Elumelu family addressed the specific challenges faced by each orphanage. Alero Ladipo, the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications for UBA Bank, while highlighting the donation said: “We conducted surveys to understand the specific needs of each home. Beyond the food items, the ₦10 million for each orphanage is intended to address medical needs, rent, and other requirements such as diapers for the children.”

Mrs Laja Adedoyin, Founder of the Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice, could not hide her joy and appreciation for what she described as an unprecedented act of kindness. “The magnitude of the foodstuff and financial support we received today is extraordinary. Food is life, and in today’s Nigeria, having food means having everything. This is the largest donation we have ever received, and we are overwhelmed with joy. We sincerely thank Dr. Awele Elumelu and the family for their generosity,” she said.

Commitment to Philanthropy 

This generous gesture is part of a broader, pan-Nigerian initiative by the Elumelu family. In the coming weeks, seven additional orphanages across the country are set to receive similar donations. 

The Elumelu family’s commitment to philanthropy has been consistent, as evidenced by their recent donation of 1,800 bags of rice to their community in Onicha Uku, Delta State, during the festive season. In each instance, the family ensures that their contributions are impactful, addressing both immediate and long-term needs. Through such efforts, the family has consistently demonstrated that philanthropy is not a one-off event but a way of life.

Beyond financial support, the Elumelu family’s philanthropic efforts embody a holistic approach to giving. It’s not just about providing resources but about empowering communities, fostering sustainability, and inspiring others to contribute in their own ways. Their philanthropy extends through various initiatives, including the widely acclaimed Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs across Africa and the UBA Foundation, which was recently nominated for Philanthropy of the Year for the forthcoming THISDAY/ARISE Commemorative Award. 

For many of the children in these orphanages, this act of kindness offers more than just immediate relief—it represents hope. In a country where access to basic necessities like food, healthcare, and shelter can be a struggle for many, especially orphans and children with special needs, interventions like this are lifelines. By easing the burden on the administrators of these orphanages, the Elumelu family has allowed them to focus on their core mission: caring for the children.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with socio-economic challenges, the role of philanthropy in bridging gaps has become increasingly important. Initiatives like those undertaken by the Elumelu family not only provide critical support but also set an example for others in the private sector to follow. It’s a call to action for individuals and organisations to step up and contribute in ways that make a real difference.

As succinctly put by Dr. Awele Elumelu, “Everyone has a role to play—whether through cash, kind, or time—to make a difference in the lives of these children.” Perhaps, it is this philosophy that drives the family’s charitable endeavours, ensuring that their giving is not just about charity but about change.

As more orphanages prepare to receive similar support from the Elumelu family in the coming weeks, the ripple effect of this initiative will be a testament to the power of compassionate leadership and the impact of giving with purpose given that through their actions, the family has reinforced the idea that when people come together to support one another, society becomes stronger, kinder, and more humane.

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This initiative is part of our effort to provide both immediate relief and long-term support. Everyone has a role to play—whether through cash, kind, or time—to make a difference in the lives of these children…