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Afriland Towers Fire: Elumelu Mourns as FIRS Loses Four Staff Members

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Afriland Towers Fire

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Chairman of Afriland Properties Plc, Mr Tony Elumelu, has extended condolences to staff and families of workers who died in Tuesday’s Afriland Towers fire, describing the tragedy as a devastating loss.

The building, which houses a UBA branch, United Capital, Avon, Afriland Properties Plc, Heirs Insurance, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), was ravaged by fire two days ago.

A source told Business Post that the fire started at the Afriland office, but couldn’t immediately disclose the cause or number of casualties.

The development has sparked reactions, from many lamenting the absence of safe evacuation procedures.

In a statement, Mr Elumelu, expressed sadness at the losses.

“I am shattered by Tuesday’s incident at Afriland Towers which claimed the lives of our colleagues,” Mr Elumelu said, expressing grief and acknowledging the depth of the loss.

“No words can capture the magnitude of this loss — not for their families, their friends, nor those of us who worked beside them.

“Tuesday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irreplaceable people who walk through our doors each day and share our mission.

“I learnt of this on my way to the US, en route to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

“I have cut short my trip to return to Lagos as a mark of respect to our lost colleagues. Please reach out to those receiving care,” he said.

Mr Elumelu, also Chairman of Heirs Holdings, announced that a memorial would be held in honour of the deceased and to support their grieving families, thanking emergency responders, first aid workers, members of the public, and others who displayed courage and compassion during the fire incident.

In a related development, the FIRS mourned the death of four staff members who lost their lives in the fire.

Mr Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to FIRS Chairman, Mr Zacch Adedeji, listed the victims as Assistant Directors Mrs Ekelikhostse George and Mr David Sunday-Jatto. Others were Mrs Nkem Onyemelukwe, Senior Manager, and Mr Peter Ifaranmaye, Manager. All were working at FIRS offices on the sixth and seventh floors of the affected property.

Mr Adekanmbi said the management and staff of FIRS were plunged into deep mourning and grief following the tragic loss of their colleagues.

“It is with a heavy heart that FIRS announces the loss of four staff members during the Afriland Towers fire on Tuesday.

“Our Security and Safety officials quickly mobilised and contacted the fire service. On arrival, thick dark smoke was already billowing out of the building,” he said.

According to him, management and staff are in deep shock and extend condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.

He praised the departed colleagues for their dedication and professionalism, pledging support to their families and grieving co-workers.

“We are working with relevant agencies in Lagos to establish the root cause of the incident while reviewing safety measures across all FIRS offices nationwide,” he said.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today

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Abuja Night of Glory

By Blaise Udunze

Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.

The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.

Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.

Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.

The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.

Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.

Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.

Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.

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Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC

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rivers speaker Martin Amaewhule defect

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.

This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.

The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.

This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.

Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.

It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.

Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN

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energy sector

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.

The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.

Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.

According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.

“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.

He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.

Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.

He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.

“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.

On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.

“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.

He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.

Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.

He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.

“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.

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