Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and Afriland Properties Plc, has conveyed profound grief following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos, which resulted in the loss of several staff members on Tuesday.
In a heartfelt message personally addressed to employees, Elumelu described the event as heartbreaking and revealed that he has cut short his trip to the United States, where he was scheduled to participate in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, to return home.
“No expression can truly convey the depth of this tragedy-not for the families who cherished them, not for the friends who held them dear, and certainly not for those of us who worked alongside them,” Elumelu remarked.
“This incident serves as a powerful reminder of what is most valuable: our irreplaceable people, those who come through our doors daily and share in our vision. I received the news while en route to New York for the UNGA and immediately decided to return to Lagos to pay my respects to our fallen colleagues.”
According to reports from LEADERSHIP, Afriland Properties Plc has initiated a prompt investigation into the cause of the fire that engulfed the six-story building on Broad Street, Lagos Island. The company has yet to disclose the precise number of casualties. The building accommodates various subsidiaries of Heirs Holdings, including Afriland Properties Plc, a UBA Plc branch, and other unrelated enterprises.
Elumelu encouraged staff to offer support to those currently receiving medical attention and assured that the organization would extend all necessary aid to the families affected by this calamity.
“During this difficult time, I urge everyone to reach out to colleagues undergoing treatment. In the days ahead, we will gather to commemorate the lives lost and provide assistance to their loved ones,” he affirmed.
He also expressed sincere appreciation to the emergency personnel and members of the community who played vital roles during the crisis.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed-emergency responders, first aid teams, and compassionate members of the public who demonstrated bravery and kindness,” Elumelu added.
Furthermore, the billionaire directed that a moment of silence be observed at 12:00 noon WAT on Wednesday across all Heirs Holdings companies to honor the victims.
“At 12:00 noon today, all our group companies will observe a minute of silence. May such a tragedy never recur within our group. May the departed souls find eternal peace.”
