Businessman Tony Elumelu and his family are spending Christmas in their Onicha-Uku village in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Mr Elumelu posted a photo of his family on Instagram on Wednesday, admiring the quietness in his hometown.
“Serenity of village life. Merry Xmas from the Elumelus in Delta,” he wrote.
Elumelu donated 1,800 bags of rice to the seven traditional quarters of Onicha-Uku.
The Onicha-Uku royal palace and council of chiefs, elders, faith-based organisations including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as well as various socio-cultural and youth groups also benefited from Elumelu’s gesture.
Excited leaders of the different groups and elders were at Elumelu’s country home on Sunday to express their appreciation for the donation.
Speaking during the visit, Elumelu said he derives joy in supporting others particularly in his ancestral community.
Elumelu was represented by the head of media and external relations of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Nasir Ramon.
“Tony Elumelu embodies hard work, generosity and the unshakeable belief that when we lift others, we rise together.
“We encourage everyone to embrace this spirit of giving and unity, not just during Christmas but in our everyday lives,” Mr Ramon said.
Speaking on behalf of the people, the traditional ruler of the community Agbogidi Agbamuche, represented by Steve Osakwe, the Ede of Onicha-Uku, described the ceremony as special and “a remarkable gesture of giving back by one of our own – an icon of excellence, philanthropy, and hope, our benefactor, Tony Elumelu, ‘a son of the soil’ who has remained steadfast in his commitment to empowering communities and changing lives.”
He noted that Elumelu has remained humble, caring and committed to his roots despite his remarkable success and towering personality globally.
