Tony Elumelu, chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), has expressed sadness over the fire incident at Afriland Towers in Lagos, which claimed the lives of six employees.
Speaking on Wednesday, Elumelu said he was “shattered” by the tragedy, describing it as a reminder of the irreplaceable value of people who drive the company’s mission daily.
“No words can capture the magnitude of this loss — not for their families who loved them, not for the friends who valued them, and not for those of us who worked beside them,” he said.
Elumelu noted that he learnt of the incident while on his way to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), but decided to cut short his trip and return to Lagos “as a mark of respect to our lost colleagues”.
Elumelu urged colleagues and staff to show solidarity by reaching out to those injured and receiving care, adding that the company would provide sustained support to the bereaved families.
“In the coming days, we will convene colleagues in a memorial to honour the memories of the departed, as we provide support to their families,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to emergency responders, first aid workers, and members of the public who displayed “courage and compassion” during the crisis.
The “May this never happen again in our Group. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” he said.
