The family of Nigerian investor and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu has donated food items to orphanages and care homes in Lagos, Delta and Edo states as part of its end-of-year humanitarian outreach aimed at supporting vulnerable children and easing pressure on caregivers.
The intervention involved the distribution of 1,730 bags of rice and 290 bags of beans to six orphanages and care homes in Lagos, three in Delta State and three in Edo State. Communities and public institutions in Onicha Ukwu, Delta State, were also included.
Although the donations covered three states, the symbolic presentation was held in Lagos at the Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice, Surulere on 28 December, where representatives of beneficiary homes were hosted at a central location for coordination.
Speaking at the event, chairperson of Transcorp Hotels and wife of the business mogul, Awele Elumelu, said the outreach was informed by the economic strain facing families and social welfare institutions, particularly during the festive season.
While Mrs Elumelu noted that the donation was not linked to any corporate body, she described it as a personal family initiative meant to encourage caregivers and give hope to children in their care.
“We understand that this season can be especially challenging. Yet, you continue to care for these children with commitment and love. This outreach reflects values of love, generosity and shared responsibility. It is our way of standing with those who work daily, often quietly, to care for children who would otherwise be left behind.
“As we enter into a new year, we pray for strength for you and for more people to support your work. What we are giving may be modest, but we believe it will make a difference,” Mrs Elumelu said.
She further explained that while Lagos remains a major beneficiary, the decision to extend donations to Delta and Edo was driven by a commitment to reach institutions outside the state and impact communities linked to the family’s origins.
Each of the six orphanages in Lagos received 40 bags of rice and 19 bags of beans.
In Delta State, beneficiaries include the Federal Medical Centre School of Nursing, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp and four autonomous communities in Onicha Ukwu. Three orphanages in Edo State are also expected to receive food items.
Caregivers speak on rising pressure
Caregivers at the event described increasing pressure on welfare homes, citing rising food prices, medical costs and limited institutional support as major concerns.
The Founder of Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice, Theresa Omolaja, said the home caters for children with severe medical and developmental conditions, including cerebral palsy and congenital abnormalities.
“Many people assume these children do not exist,” she said. “Support like this helps us provide medical care, food, dignity and love.”
The founder of Adiel Children’s Home, Abiola Ofulue also noted that the donation would help sustain feeding for the 10 children in her care.
“We are sustained by people who remember us,” Mrs Ofulue said. “This support reassures us that we are not alone. If we get other food items to complement the rice and beans, it will surely go a long way.”
Similarly, founder of Compassionate Orphanage in the Egbeda area of Lagos, Gabriel Oyediji, said many homes operate in what he described as a “charity fatigue environment.”
“The needs keep growing, but support is not keeping pace,” he said. “Still, we continue because the children must not be abandoned. This intervention helps us to keep going.”
Personal philanthropy
Organisers emphasised that the outreach was undertaken by the Elumelu family including Mr and Mrs Elumelu, and their children, independent of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
Mr Elumelu is known for advocating private sector–led development across Africa. His wife, Awele Elumelu, is a medical doctor and hospital executive who leads healthcare investments within the Heirs Holdings Group and serves on several global development advisory platforms.