On Tuesday 16th September 2025 fire gutted a high rise building in Lagos Island owned by Richland Properties
In the ensuing chaos, we saw many people scampering to safety
Some of them were seen trying to jump out of the windows of the building
In the process some of them were seriously injured
While the fire was raging , the videos of the incidence were being posted on social media in real time
It was initially said that the incident happened at UBA Headquarters on Marina , but later it was gathered that the building housed one of the branches of the bank with other offices
We thank the Lagos State Fire Service for its prompt response to the situation
Their quick intervention must have saved several lives
The initial report had it that no lives were lost and that all those with injuries were rushed to the hospital for treatment and attempts were in progress to revive those that went into coma as a result of inhaling smokes
But latest report reaching me has it that there were fatalities from the incident ( not UBA staff)
They are two directors and two Managers of Federal Inland Revenue Service ( FIRS )
This is a sad and tragic development, no one prays for
We pray for their souls to rest in perfect peace
My heart at this moment goes out to their immediate families and colleagues
The main reason for this post is the prompt exemplary action displayed by the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, owners of UBA, Mr Tony Elumelu
From the report I got , Mr Elumelu was already on his way to the United States of America when the incident happened
On landing in the USA, he learnt of the tragedy and abandoned what he went for and returned to Nigeria immediately
This is very unlike some of our rich men and even leaders who lack basic empathy
We have seen time and time again where we are in the midst of catastrophic tragedies and our leaders would remain abroad or even take off on their so-called " important trips "
They are less concerned about the wantom loss of lives and properties
Even on their return , they don't deem it fit to visit such disaster zones unlike what happen in other civilised climes
To them , " our lives " does not matter
I truly commend Mr Tony Elumelu empathetic nature and leadership
Everything is not about money
What matters most is the ability to provide purposeful leadership in a time of tragedy
Let your subordinates know you care , it gives succour and hope
Which employee would not give his or her best in their job knowing fully well that there is a leader who has his or her back well covered
The reasons why an average American would give his or her life to their country is the fact that they have a country which will stand with and by them through thick and thin
Once again , my heart goes out to all those that lost their lives in that tragic fire incident
Ozoemena ( May such tragedy never happen again )
Chris Kehinde Nwandu , Executive Editor CKNNews is the a Journalist , Law graduate and UK certified Chartered Arbitrator