The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has pledged lifelong support to the families of four of its senior staff members who died in the Afriland Towers fire on Lagos Island earlier this month.
The victims — George Faith Ekelikhotse (57), Assistant Director; David Oluwafemi Sunday-Jatto (51), Deputy Director; Onyemelukwe NkemAgnes (54), Senior Manager; and Ifaranmaye Peter (48), Deputy Manager — were honoured at an emotional memorial service in Lagos on Thursday.
FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, assured the bereaved families that the agency will provide comprehensive welfare support, including a dedicated trust fund, guaranteed job placements, and full educational sponsorship for their children.
“In FIRS, we are not just an institution; we are a family. And in every family, when one is lost, we all feel the emptiness,” Adedeji said. “Please be confident in knowing you are not alone. This institution will remain a pillar of support for you.”
Survivors and colleagues paid tribute to the deceased as “quiet achievers” remembered for their humility, integrity, and dedication to public service.
The memorial also featured testimonies from survivors of the September 16 fire, which reportedly started in the inverter room. Deputy Manager Nasiru Usman, who narrowly escaped, recalled how thick smoke trapped staff between floors.
“To the glory of God, many of us survived, but sadly four of our colleagues did not make it,” Usman said, urging government agencies to strengthen emergency response systems and enforce stricter safety compliance in crowded commercial areas like Balogun Market.
