Linus Williams Ifejika, popularly known as B-Lord, has made a dramatic announcement regarding his yearly philanthropic tradition in Ebenebe, Anambra State.
The 26-year-old tech billionaire revealed that he will no longer distribute 1,000 bags of rice at his residence this Christmas, citing concerns over safety and crowd control.
“There is hunger in the land!” he lamented in a social media post. “Due to the recent reoccurrence of stampedes, I’ll no longer be sharing the 1,000 bags of rice in my house anymore!”
Instead, the cryptocurrency mogul plans to allocate the food items more systematically.
B-Lord stated that each of the eight communities that make up Ebenebe will receive 125 bags of rice, a cow, yams, and kegs of palm oil.
The billionaire explained that these items would be handed over to the chairmen of the respective communities for equitable distribution.
“I want to ensure my people are safe while still celebrating the season. Stampede is the beginning of wisdom,” he added, using a phrase that resonated with many online.
This is not the first time B-Lord has demonstrated his generosity towards his hometown.
The cryptocurrency trader has built a reputation for supporting his community during the festive season by distributing food and other essential items.
His annual giveaways have become a significant event in Ebenebe, drawing large crowds eager to benefit from his kindness.
However, the growing crowds have also raised safety concerns, prompting the tech mogul to rethink his approach this year.
B-Lord is no ordinary entrepreneur. Born on 14 March 1998 in Umuji Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, he is the eldest of seven children.
His journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Nigeria’s most recognisable cryptocurrency traders is nothing short of inspirational.
Despite financial struggles early in life, he persevered, completing his education at Madonna University in 2019 with a degree in Public Administration.
B-Lord’s entry into cryptocurrency began during his university days, where he dabbled in Bitcoin trading.
In 2017, he struck gold, earning his first million Naira. Two years later, he launched the B-Lord Bitcoin Store, a platform that has since become a household name for cryptocurrency transactions in Nigeria.
Today, B-Lord’s ventures extend beyond crypto trading. He has diversified into real estate, luxury automobiles, and tech innovations under the umbrella of the B-Lord Group of Companies.
His flashy lifestyle, characterised by high-end cars like the Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini Urus, has made him a social media sensation.
B-Lord’s meteoric rise has not been without challenges.
In August 2020, he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of internet fraud and identity theft.
Although he was later released, the incident brought intense scrutiny to his operations.
More recently, in 2023, the Nigerian Police launched investigations into his companies following accusations of cryptocurrency fraud and links to terrorism funding.
Despite these allegations, B-Lord has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his focus on growing his businesses and engaging with his community.
This year’s Christmas announcement comes at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship.
Rising inflation and food prices have left countless families struggling to make ends meet.
B-Lord’s decision to adapt his philanthropic efforts to avoid a potential stampede reflects his awareness of these challenges and his commitment to supporting his people safely.
