The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu laid a wreath at the UN House in Abuja to commemorate the tragic bombing that occurred on August 26, 2011.
During the ceremony, she paid tribute to the victims and emphasised the importance of peace, dialogue, and countering forces of hatred.
In her address, Senator Oluremi Tinubu called for a concerted effort to combat terrorism’s destructive impact on society. She urged the global community to prioritise peace, foster dialogue, and stand against divisions driven by hatred.
The First Lady expressed her deep respect for those who dedicated their lives to peace and development within the United Nations. She emphasised the need for unity, understanding, and cooperation as represented by the UN’s values.
In her words, “On this solemn occasion, we remember and honor 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 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”.
Joined by Valdimir Voronkov, the Undersecretary General of the UN’s Office of Counterterrorism, Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasised the importance of solidarity and support for terrorism victims worldwide. Voronkov highlighted the continued threat of terrorism to peace and security, particularly in Africa.
Reflecting on the UN’s own history, Voronkov acknowledged the organisation’s vulnerability to terrorism, referencing the 20th anniversary of the attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq.
The ceremony, witnessed by heads of various UN Agencies in Nigeria, was a solemn yet impactful occasion.