President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday unveiled a memorial cenotaph at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja in honour of the 153 victims of Dana plane crash in Lagos, exactly a year ago.
The cenotaph, erected at a strategic position in the local wing of the airport, had the names of all the victims and the inscription: “In memory of the crew and passengers aboard Dana air flight 992, June 3rd 2012. In our hearts they will always stay loved and remembered every day.”
Accompanied by the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, Jonathan promised to fix the aviation sector to prevent reoccurrence.
Speaking after laying the wreaths, the President once again described the crash as unfortunate, calling on all hands to be on deck to ensure the safety of our airspace.
President Jonathan said as part of efforts to ensure the safety of the Nigerian airspace, the report of the committee that investigated the strength of all airlines operating in the country is being implemented.
He said: “We will make the airspace safe. We are determined to prevent a reoccurrence of the unfortunate incident of last year. We have put in additional safety measures for that.
“There is a panel set up to check the competence of all airlines and this is aside the AIB report. The panel report has been implemented by the minister of aviation. A new national aviation policy is also in place. Aviation safety is paramount to this administration.
“This monument is a perpetual reminder for the victims. They will never be forgotten. This cenotaph symbolizes the closure of an old page and the opening of a new age. We must be vigilant at all times.”
Reverend Obioma Owuzurumba, the Chaplain of Aso Rock, counselled relatives of the victims to continue to pray for God’s mercy as they put behind the sad incident.
Owuzurumba said: “Death is inevitable and we shall all die.
“I pray that God continues to preserve us and may you never have cause to mourn this way again.
“The nation will not have a cause to mourn in this manner again.”
On his part, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rev. Father Mathew Hassan Kukah, was of the view that Nigerians should not shun air travel or Dana airline because of the crash, but to submit to God.
Kukah said: “Doing this is like not surrendering to the will of God.
“And the will of God is supreme.”
Kukah prayed for the victims and their families, calling on government to also honour people who risk their lives everyday to rescue accident victims, especially on the road.
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