The billionaire banker, founder and chairman of Heirs Holdings which owns Afriland Properties, Tony Elumelu has expressed deep sorrow following a devastating fire at Afriland Towers that claimed lives of his colleagues and left many shocked.
He described the incident as heartbreaking, reflecting on the immense loss for families, friends, and colleagues.
Elumelu cut short his trip to New York, where he was bound for the UN General Assembly, to return to Lagos as a mark of respect.
The Chairman of Heirs Holdings said the tragedy was a stark reminder of what truly matters; people, commitment and compassion. Elumelu urged staff to reach out to those directly affected and assured support for families of the departed.
Emergency responders, first aid volunteers and ordinary members of the public were commended for their courage and assistance during the crisis. A minute’s silence will be observed today at 12:00 noon WAT across all his group companies.
According to reports, the fire broke out in an inverter room in the basement of the six-storey building on Broad Street, Lagos Island. Smoke spread rapidly to the other floors. Several staff were injured, and some are currently in critical care.
Tony Elumelu has called for a thorough investigation and stronger safety protocols to prevent recurrence of such tragedies in the future.
He emphasised that no group should endure losses like this again. He prayed that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.
“Our Adopt-A-School initiative embodies our dedication to fostering sustainable growth and development in Nigeria. We believe that every child deserves access to a conducive learning environment, and through our efforts at Hausawa Model Primary School, we are taking another step toward achieving this goal,” he stated. “Investing in education is an investment in our collective future.”
Wole Adeniyi, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, also commented on the project’s impact, noting the comprehensive approach taken at the school.
“We believe that investing in education is investing in our collective future. We recognise that every child deserves a conducive learning environment where they can explore their potential and dream big. Through our continued efforts at Hausawa model school and beyond, we are paving the way for the nation’s future leaders.”
The renovation project aims to create a more conducive learning environment for students while addressing critical infrastructure needs, including sanitation facilities and recreational spaces.
Prior to Hausawa Model Primary School, Stanbic IBTC had adopted eight other schools across various Nigerian states, demonstrating a commitment to diverse geographic representation in their educational support. The organisation has consistently focused the initiative on comprehensive interventions that address multiple aspects of the educational environment.
Environmental beautification efforts included planting 30 trees and flowers across school grounds, creating a more pleasant learning atmosphere while promoting environmental consciousness among students.
The project was officially inaugurated during a ceremony attended by distinguished dignitaries and community leaders, emphasising the collaborative approach essential for sustainable educational development in Nigeria.
