The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has honoured the memory of Nigerians and persons of Nigerian origin who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.
Dabiri-Erewa, in a message marking the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, said the passage of time had not diminished the pain of families who lost loved ones or erased the memories of those whose lives were cut short.
Among the Nigerian victims she remembered were Godwin O. Ajala, Ignatius Udo Adanga, Olabisi Shadie Layeni-Yee, Sadie Ini Ette and Ayodeji Awe.
She said the victims should not be remembered merely as part of the statistics of the September 11 attacks, but as individuals who had families, careers, aspirations and dreams before their lives were tragically cut short.
“We remember them. We remember their families. We remember the lives they lived and the dreams they carried. Twenty-five years later, they are not forgotten. Their names remain, and their stories must continue to be told,” she said.
The NiDCOM boss stressed the importance of preserving the stories of the victims, particularly for younger generations who were not alive or old enough to understand the magnitude of the attacks when they occurred.
According to her, remembering the Nigerian victims also highlights the significant presence of Nigerians across the world and the enduring contributions they make to the communities and countries where they live and work.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to recognising and honouring the lives, contributions and experiences of Nigerians in the diaspora, regardless of where they reside.
She said the anniversary, although a painful reminder of the loss suffered 25 years ago, should also provide an opportunity to celebrate the lives and legacies of those who died rather than allowing their stories to disappear with time.
She extended her thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of the victims, praying for the peaceful rest of those who died and for continued strength, comfort and healing for their families.
