By Prosper Mene
In a tribute to colleagues whose lives were cut short by one of the city’s most devastating workplace tragedies, United Capital Plc has announced plans for a solemn memorial service honoring six dedicated employees who perished in the inferno at Afriland Towers just six days ago.
The fire outbreak occured on Tuesday, September 16, in the basement inverter room of the six-storey commercial building on Broad Street in Lagos Island’s bustling financial district and claimed a total of 10 lives.
Among the victims were the six United Capital staff members, who occupied the third and fourth floors of the tower, as well as four employees from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on the sixth and seventh floors.
The blaze quickly engulfed the structure in thick smoke, trapping occupants and forcing desperate escapes, including leaps from upper levels.”It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers,” the company stated in an official announcement shared on its verified social media channels.
The firm extended deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased, vowing ongoing support during this unimaginable time of loss.
Preparations for the memorial service are underway, with the event designed to celebrate the victims’ contributions and mark their passing “with dignity and solemnity,” according to United Capital. While specific details on the date, time, and venue have yet to be finalized, the company emphasized that the gathering will serve as a space for reflection, shared memories, and communal healing. “We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives,” the statement added.
The tragedy has sent ripples of sorrow through Nigeria’s corporate and political spheres. President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi were among the prominent figures who publicly mourned the losses. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, whose branch also operates in the building, expressed his grief, stating, “We plus odas lost colleagues for di fire for Afriland Towers,” underscoring the shared devastation across the business community.
Afriland Towers, owned by Afriland Properties Plc, is a key hub for financial and governmental operations, also housing UBA and other entities. The building remains under inspection as authorities, including the FIRS, probe the incident and push for stricter building safety compliance.
Preliminary reports point to electrical faults in the basement as the ignition source, but a full investigation is ongoing.
Tributes from colleagues and the public have flooded social media, with many sharing photos and stories of the vibrant professionals lost. Among the confirmed victims from United Capital are individuals whose ages ranged from their late 20s to mid-40s, including key roles in audit, operations, and client relations.
