The wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, has remembered and honoured the victims of the terrorist attack on the United Nations (UN) building in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2011.
Bahdstreetvibes recalls that Boko Haram terrorists, on August 26, 2011, attacked the UN building in Abuja and detonated a bomb that killed more than 20 persons, including 12 UN staff members.
Speaking after laying a wreath in honour of the victims on Wednesday, Mrs Tinubu said she longed for a world where terrorism and its severe impacts on society are effectively combatted.
The First Lady said the global community must channel more energy towards fostering peace, promoting dialogue and fighting the forces of hatred and division.
She said: “On this solemn occasion, we remember and honour the lives that were lost. I pay tribute to the dedicated individuals who were serving the cause of peace and development within the walls of the UN building.
“Today we stand united in our resolve and determination to create a world where the principles of peace, justice and cooperation that the United Nations stands for are not merely ideals, but reality for all.”
Also speaking at the event, Undersecretary General of the UN, Office of Counterterrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, said Nigeria knows the consequences of terrorism within and around its borders.
Voronkov, however, emphasised the need to build solidarity and provide support to victims of terrorism across the world.
He said, “The Federal Republic of Nigeria knows the consequences of terrorism within and around its borders all too well.
“Indeed, parts of Africa have experienced the highest impact of terrorism for many years.
“The United Nations itself is not immune from terrorism. Two weeks ago, we marked the 20th anniversary of the devastating attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, on 19 August 2003.”
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