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Tony Elumelu mourns Afriland fire victims in Lagos

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Tony Elumelu mourns Afriland fire victims in Lagos, cutting short his UNGA trip to honour staff lost in the tragic blaze at the UBA facility

Tony Elumelu mourns Afriland fire victims following the tragic blaze at the Broad Street headquarters in Lagos that claimed the lives of several employees.

Also read: Aged, Children, Vulnerable Benefit from UBA Foundation’s Charity Outreach in Lagos

The Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA), visibly shaken by the incident, described the loss as “devastating” in a heartfelt letter addressed to staff on Wednesday.

“No word can capture the magnitude of this loss,” Elumelu wrote. “Not for their families who loved them, not for the friends who valued them, and not for those of us who worked beside them.”

Elumelu revealed he was en route to New York for the United Nations General Assembly when he received the news.

He immediately cut short his trip and is returning to Lagos to personally honour those lost.

The inferno broke out on Tuesday afternoon at the seven-storey Afriland Tower, which houses a branch of UBA.

Thick black smoke enveloped Lagos Island’s business district as the fire, reportedly starting from the inverter room in the basement, quickly spread across multiple floors.

Eyewitness videos showed dramatic scenes of panic, as staff were seen climbing through windows, some descending via fire ladders and others risking jumps to escape the flames.

While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, several fatalities have been reported. Emergency responders from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu fire stations arrived swiftly after the alarm was raised at 1:38 p.m.

In his statement, Elumelu commended the bravery of firefighters, first responders, and members of the public, expressing deep gratitude for their courage and compassion in the face of the disaster.

A memorial is planned in honour of the deceased, with Heirs Holdings and UBA pledging ongoing support to the bereaved families.

Also read: Iyan Olodo by The City Pulse Delights Ikeja with Authentic Yoruba Dining

“As we navigate this grief,” Elumelu added, “I urge you all to reach out to those who are receiving care.”

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One Jesus One Church One Hallelujah: Testimony Jaga Blends Worship with Massive Community Outreach

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By: Sunday Adebayo

The One Jesus One Church One Hallelujah Programme, an annual praise, worship, and humanitarian outreach initiative organized by popular gospel music minister Testimony Jaga, recorded another landmark outing as it held its sixth edition, impacting hundreds of lives through worship, empowerment, and social intervention.

The programme, which attracted a massive turnout, featured extended praise and worship sessions led by notable gospel ministers, including Minister Lilian Nneji, Esther Igbekele, Dare Justified, Elijah Daniel, and several other worship leaders who joined Testimony Jaga in leading the congregation to appreciate God through songs and thanksgiving.

Speaking during the event, Testimony Jaga stated that the Hallelujah Programme was established purely to glorify God and serve humanity.

“This programme is about lifting the name of Jesus and appreciating God. This is the sixth edition, and every year I intentionally invite ministers to come and help us worship God and thank Him for all He has done in our lives,” he said.

Unlike conventional gospel concerts, the Hallelujah Programme deliberately combines spiritual activities with structured humanitarian outreach. This year’s edition featured a children’s party, a free medical outreach, and a boxing programme, all designed to engage different segments of the community.

A major highlight of the event was the large-scale distribution of empowerment items and relief materials to beneficiaries drawn from the community and the general public. Items given out included tricycles, bicycles, mini buses, industrial sewing machines, deep freezers, grinding machines, and other valuable equipment aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, mobility, and self-reliance.

Explaining the motivation behind the outreach, Testimony Jaga revealed that the programme is closely tied to his personal background and ongoing scholarship initiative.

“I grew up in Alagbado, Lagos, and I currently have many students there under my scholarship programme. This Hallelujah Programme is anchored on that vision, giving hope, supporting education, and empowering people from the community that raised me,” he explained.

Jaga further disclosed that the initiative is largely self-sponsored, noting that no corporate or institutional body officially partnered with the programme.

“I am the only sponsor of this programme, with support from some of my church members. There is no organization partnering with us in funding or execution,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that some brands showed support through participation.

“We appreciate Kellogg’s and Indomie for lending their presence at the event. Their show of support encouraged the programme,” he added.

According to Testimony Jaga, the ultimate objective of the One Jesus Church Hallelujah Programme is community transformation through giving.

“The purpose is to touch lives and make a real impact in society. Worship should not end on the altar; it must reflect in how we give back and care for people,” he stated.

Beneficiaries and attendees described the programme as both spiritually uplifting and socially impactful, noting that the combination of worship, empowerment, and outreach set it apart from regular gospel events.

Over the years, the One Jesus Church Hallelujah Programme has continued to grow in scope and impact, establishing itself as a faith-driven platform for praise, compassion, and community development, while reinforcing Testimony Jaga’s message that true worship is expressed through service to humanity.

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Ososo Carnival at 15 Showcases Culture Without Walls

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Ososo Carnival

Ososo Carnival celebrates 15 years as Edo State’s flagship community tourism event, drawing thousands and boosting culture-driven development

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Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Wife Dr Ibijoke on 59th Birthday

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Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Wife

Sanwo-Olu celebrates wife Dr Ibijoke on her 59th birthday, lauding her support for family and contributions to Lagos State development

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