Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), has returned to Lagos after cutting short his trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly following a devastating incident at Afriland Towers that claimed the lives of several UBA colleagues.
In an emotional statement released today, Elumelu expressed his profound grief over the tragedy that occurred yesterday at the commercial building.
“I am shattered by yesterday’s devastating incident at Afriland Towers that took the lives of our dear colleagues,” Elumelu 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.”
The UBA Chairman, who was en route to New York for UNGA when he learned of the incident, immediately made the decision to return to Lagos as a mark of respect to the deceased colleagues.
“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 stated. “I learnt of this on my way to the US, en route to New York for UNGA. I have cut short my trip to return to Lagos as a mark of respect to our lost colleagues.”
The banking group has announced plans to hold a memorial service in the coming days to honour the memories of those who died, while also providing support to their families. Elumelu has urged colleagues to reach out to those receiving care during this difficult time.
“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,” he said.
The UBA Chairman also expressed gratitude to emergency responders, first aid workers, and members of the public who showed courage and compassion during the incident.
“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,” Elumelu noted.
As a mark of respect, all UBA group companies will observe a minute’s silence at 12:00 noon WAT today.
“May this never happen again in our Group. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” Elumelu concluded.
Details about the exact nature of the incident at Afriland Towers and the number of casualties have not been disclosed. The UBA Group has not yet announced when normal operations will resume.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.