The Chairman of Afriland Properties Plc has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fire incident at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which claimed the lives of company staff.
In a heartfelt message to employees, the Chairman described the loss as “devastating” and beyond words. “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.
He revealed that he was en route to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) when news of the fire reached him, but immediately cut short his trip to return to Lagos in honour of the victims.
The Chairman emphasised that the tragedy served as a painful reminder of the company’s most valuable asset — its people. He also urged staff to support colleagues who are receiving medical care.
Afriland Properties announced plans to organise a memorial service in the coming days to honour the departed, while providing assistance to their families.
The Chairman also expressed gratitude to emergency responders, first aid workers, and members of the public who helped during the incident, describing their intervention as acts of courage and compassion.
In solidarity, a minute’s silence will be observed today at 12:00 noon WAT across all Afriland Group companies.
“May this never happen again in our Group. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” he added.