- Holds Commemoration service, assures families as colleagues, friends pay tribute
BY EDMOND ODOK – The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Thursday organised a commemoration service for four senior staff members who died in the tragic fire incident that occurred at its Afriland Towers office located on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
This is as the FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji pledged lifelong support to the families of the deceased, including a trust fund, automatic job opportunities, and full educational sponsorship for their children.
Held at Highpoint Event Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, the memorial was in honour of Mrs Faith Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).
Adedeji, who regretted the unfortunate incident, said, “The loss of our dear colleagues is one of the hardest moments in the history of our Service. At FIRS, we are not just co-workers, we are a family. Their passing leaves a deep void, yet we are comforted by the legacy of service they leave behind.
“They lived not for themselves, but for millions of Nigerians who daily benefit from the dedication and sacrifice of the FIRS family. Their lives remind us that true service is measured in impact, not recognition.”
The FIRS boss, who extended the Service’s condolences to the family of the deceased, further said, “To their families, we extend our deepest condolences. May you be strengthened by the knowledge that your loved ones gave their best in the service of our nation.
“As an institution, we stand firmly by you and pledge our continued support through this difficult time.”
While assuring the grieving families of FIRS’ commitment to providing comprehensive welfare support, including a trust fund, guaranteed job opportunities, and full educational sponsorship for the deceased’s children, Adedeji said, “We stand with you. And we will continue to walk with you. Please be confident in knowing that you are not alone. I personally pledge that this institution will be a pillar of support for you during these difficult times.
“Also, I know one of my colleagues has two students, some abroad and some here. So, also, I have directed and committed trust funds specifically to you.”
In her remarks, Chinenye Onyemelukwe, the first daughter of late Onyemelukwe, said, “My mom was a firebrand. My mom was joyful. She endeavoured to make sure that we loved God and that we got to know him for ourselves.
“Over the past week, a lot of people have come, and I have realised that people know my mom in very different capacities.
“We may be here in mourning, and we feel that she went too soon. Several times, I find myself saying, ‘If only she had got to stay longer to see me do the things she wanted me to do, to be able to reap her labour of love over her children.’ But I know that where she is, she’s better off technically.”
Also paying tribute to her late father, Miss Olamide Ifaranmaye, the daughter of late Ifaranmaye, said: “As a man, a human, the extent of your generosity speaks volumes. Your kind heart and joy that is contracted by everyone around you remain as a blessing.
“As a father to both biological and non-biological children, you’ve been a wonderful provider, caring, protective, jovial, and disciplined. As your Precious, your daughter, ‘PP’, as you call me, I find solace in the assurance that you’re with Jesus.
“And I would encourage other families to also find solace in the assurance that their loved ones are with Jesus. Rest in the bosom of our heavenly father, Baba mi.”
The memorial Service, which had in attendance FIRS’ top management as well as family members and friends of the deceased, saw mourners and well-wishers clad in black attire to reflect the occasion’s solemn mood.
In a related development, United Capital Plc, which occupies the third and fourth floors of the high-rise building housing several corporate offices, confirmed that six of their employees also died in the fire incident.
Meanwhile, Afriland said the inferno that gutted its Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, on September 16, came from the inverter room located at the Towers’ basement.
The management confirmed that safety protocols were activated immediately, but the thick black smoke and intense heat generated quickly filled the basement and spread rapidly through the entire building.
