- Sen. Oluremi Tinubu pays tribute to UN attack victims, calls for global peace and unity in combating terrorism
- UN representative emphasizes solidarity and assistance for terrorism victims, acknowledges ongoing global threat of terrorism
Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, paid tribute to the victims of the terrorist attack on the United Nations building in Abuja on August 26, 2011.
Mrs Tinubu also laid a wreath at the UN staff memorial cenotaph, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
She called for global peace in a brief speech after laying the wreath.
While clamouring for a world free of terrorism, she urged everyone to work together to combat the threat in order to avoid the devastating effects it has on society.
The global community must channel more energy towards fostering peace, promoting dialogue and combating the forces of hatred and division.
The world must draw strength from the sacrifice of those serving the cause of peace and recommit to the values of unity, understanding and cooperation that the UN represents.
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 mere ideals, but a reality for all.
NAN reports that she was joined by Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Office of Counterterrorism, in performing the wreath-laying ceremony.
In a statement, Voronkov emphasized the importance of building solidarity and providing assistance to victims of terrorism around the world.
He predicted that terrorism would continue to strike hard and endanger people’s peace and security, leaving hundreds of thousands of victims and survivors in its wake.
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 UN 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 Aug. 19, 2003.
NAN reports that some heads of the UN agencies in Nigeria witnessed the brief ceremony.