The Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, spoke with visible emotion as he extended his deep condolences to the families of the six United Capital colleagues who lost their lives in the Afriland Towers fire.
He reaffirmed the unity and resilience of the United Capital and Heirs Holdings family in mourning, standing in solidarity with the grieving organisation and loved ones.
The solemn memorial service, which held on Wednesday at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, was described by many as a gathering that brought the Nigerian capital market to a halt.
Regulators, industry leaders, clients, partners, and members of the broader business community all came together to honour the memories of the departed.
Family members, friends, and colleagues delivered emotional tributes, painting vivid pictures of the lives and legacies of those lost. United Capital Group explained in a statement that “the service was also streamed live for well-wishers outside the country, while additional viewing centres were set up in Abuja and Port Harcourt, where the group is also domiciled, allowing more colleagues to pay their respects.”
Earlier in the ceremony, Group CEO, Peter Ashade, had led the audience in a moment of silence before sharing heartfelt recollections of the deceased and offering words of encouragement to their families.
The service concluded with words of hope and consolation from Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, followed by a stirring rendition from renowned singer Timi Dakolo, which left the hall in deep reflection.
United Capital Group, while acknowledging the profound grief, stressed that “while the pain of their passing remains profound, their memories, impact, and contributions will live on in the hearts of all who knew them.”
The six staff members tragically lost their lives after a fire incident at Afriland Towers, the company’s Lagos headquarters, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
