In a grand display of festive philanthropy, popular cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejika, widely known as Blord, opened the gates of his Ebenebe mansion to hundreds of villagers on Christmas Day 2025. The 27-year-old hosted his annual community outreach, distributing thousands of bags of rice to combat food scarcity.
A Festive Rush for Sustenance
The event, valued at over N30 million, saw a significant scale-up from previous years. Blord shared 3,000 bags of rice alongside other items with residents of Ebenebe in Anambra State. A video shared on his Instagram captured the vibrant scene: villagers in colourful traditional attire danced and celebrated outside his compound before he personally opened the gates, prompting a joyful rush into his premises.
Addressing the crowd from his balcony, Blord's initiative was announced earlier in December as a direct response to the pressing food scarcity in the area. With rice being a staple and many families struggling amid Nigeria's high inflation, the gesture aimed to provide essential relief during the festive season.
Mixed Reactions Trail Generosity
The massive giveaway sparked a wave of mixed reactions online. Many supporters flooded social media with prayers and praise for his generosity during hard economic times. User @preshmimi_glam expressed awe at the villagers' happiness, while @Goodnews.Dennis highlighted the significance of the gift given the soaring market price of rice.
However, critics questioned the need to extensively film and publicise the act of charity. @Chimex.Okereke pointedly asked, "Why must you set up cameras… and share on social media?" Others, like @Blessing.Nnaji, suggested that empowering community members with knowledge and business opportunities would have a more lasting impact than distributing what she termed "orie rice" (free rice).
An Expanding Annual Tradition
This year's distribution marks a major increase in Blord's Christmas outreach. In 2024, he gave out about 1,000 bags of rice and cows, and in 2023, he fed 1,500 families. The evolution of the event underscores his continued commitment to his community, even as his methods attract both admiration and scrutiny.
The news follows recent controversy involving social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM), who had previously called out Blord over allegations concerning his Billpoint app, accusing it of collecting sensitive user data. VDM also criticised Blord's flashy public image, framing it as showbiz rather than substance.
Despite the debates, the event in Ebenebe provided immediate material support to hundreds, highlighting the complex interplay between celebrity, wealth, charity, and public perception in modern Nigeria.
