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| Tony Elumelu |
Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA), has disclosed that employees of Heirs Holdings were among those who lost their lives in Tuesday’s fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Lagos Island.
The six-storey building also houses a UBA branch.
This was contained in a message to staff on Heirs Holdings letterhead, dated Wednesday, September 17, 2025, a day after the incident.
Mr Elumelu said that the tragedy as devastating, adding that no words could capture the grief felt by the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
“I am shattered by yesterday’s devastating incident at Afriland Towers, that took the lives of our dear colleagues.
“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.
“Yesterday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irreplaceable people, those who walk through our doors each day and share our mission,” Elumelu’s message read in part.
He disclosed that he cut short his trip to the United States, where he was heading to attend the United Nations General Assembly, to return to Lagos in respect of the victims.
He said that a minute of silence be observed across all Heirs Holdings companies on Wednesday, September 17, and pledged support for the families of those affected.
He also announced that a memorial service would be held in the coming days to honour the deceased employees and commended emergency responders, first aid workers, and members of the public who showed courage during the incident.