Tony Elumelu, Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, has shared his profound grief over the deceased employees who passed on in the fire that engulfed AfriLand Towers on Tuesday.
In a heartfelt memo to all staff, the business leader expressed that he was “shattered by yesterday’s devastating incident that took the lives of our dear colleagues.”
The Chairman, who was on his way to the U.S. for a UNGA event, immediately cut his trip short to return to Lagos, citing it as a mark of respect to our lost colleagues.
He noted that no words can capture the magnitude of this loss which has impacted families, friends, and colleagues who valued and worked alongside the victims.
Elumelu described the deceased as irreplaceable people who walk through our doors each day and share our mission.
In his statement, he urged all staff to reach out to those receiving care and announced that a memorial would be convened to honor the departed while providing support to their families.
In a poignant gesture of solidarity, a minute of silence was observed at 12:00 noon WAT yesterday across all Heirs Holdings group companies.
The Chairman also extended his gratitude to the emergency responders, first aid workers, and members of the public for their compassion and support during the tragedy.
He concluded with a somber hope that such an event may this never happen again in our Group.
In the same vein, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has also confirmed that some of its personnel were among those who perished in the fire, which occurred in a building they reportedly occupy.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) is continuing its operations, with the cause of the fire still under investigation. The agency’s quick response was crucial in managing the crisis, though the full casualty count and extent of structural damage are yet to be fully assessed.
