Elumelu Cuts Short Foreign Trip In Honour Of Victims Of Afriland Towers Fire Incident
Respected businessman and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu is heartbroken, shattered and Devastated.
The Africa business leader’s state of mind is not unconnected with the ugly fire incident at Afriland Towers -headquarters of Afriland Properties – that resulted in the death of a number of staff of the company.
The incident transpired on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
Afriland Properties is a member of Heirs Holdings – the Nigerian Conglomerate Mr Elumelu founded in 2010.
Mr Elumelu, who cut short his foreign trip to provide support and mourn victims of the incident, revealed how heavy his heart was over the sad occurrence in an internal memo he sent out to all members of staff of Heirs Holdings Group.
The memo titled “AFRILAND TOWERS FIRE INCIDENT” reads:
“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.
I learnt of this on my way to the US, enroute to New York for UNGA. I have cut short my trip to return to Lagos as a mark of respect to our lost colleagues.
As we navigate this grief, I urge you all to reach out to those who are receiving care.
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.
I also want to thank all those who supported in one way or the other, from emergency responders and first aid workers to members of the public who showed courage and compassion.
A minute silence will be observed today at 12:00 noon, WAT, across all our group companies.
May this never happen again in our Group. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
