Tony Elumelu, chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), has expressed deep sorrow over the fire outbreak at Afriland Towers in Lagos, which killed six employees.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking on Wednesday, Elumelu said he was shattered by the incident, describing it as a painful reminder of the priceless value of the people who drive the company’s mission every day.
He said, “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.”
Elumelu explained that he received news of the tragedy while heading 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 the deceased.
He urged staff to support those injured and under medical care, assuring that the company would provide continuous assistance to the bereaved families.
The UBA chairman added, “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.”
Elumelu also thanked emergency responders, first aid workers, and members of the public for their courage and compassion during the crisis.
He said, “May this never happen again in our Group. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
