Nigerians in Finland condemn aviation mishaps and honors Dana Plane Crash Victim

[The InfoStrides]

Association of Nigerian communities, Finland honors 163 victims killed during a Dana Airlines flight crash en route Lagos from Abuja on 3rd of June, 2012) and sympathizes with all those who lost their relatives and friends in several bomb blasts across Northern Nigeria. The theme of the Candle light memorial which held on June 9,2012  at Helsinki, Finland is  "In Honor of the Fallen".

The program was well  attended by senior clergy men from both the Nigerian Islamic and christian communities in Finland whom gave a brief sermon on religious tolerance in Finland.

Acting Coordinator of the Nigerian communities in Finland, Archibong Effiok gave a powerful speech on "Aviation safety, what the Nigerian government should  do" and the need to first take on corruption head on. Chief coordinator of the event, Mr Olalekan Oladepo gave the theme speech about the need to honor the victims of the Dana Plane crash and express condolences, "Our  heart goes out to all those that lost their fathers, mothers, aunties, uncles, brothers, sisters, pastors, children, friends, fiancées, in fact the list is endless. We pray God comforts them all  and gives them the fortitude to bear the loss, no amount of words anyone  can say, will bring anyone of them back. The families are not here, but wherever they are, the association of Nigerians in Finland sends their  heartfelt condolence  and wish the souls of the departed, rest in perfect  peace.

Youth leader Mr Oladeji Ikuesan emphasizes on air safety improvement and wished we do not have another candle light memorial for aviation related deaths, Other Nigerian Finland based politician, honorable Ogeh Oguejiofor Eneh, Mrs Bukola Omodona and Nigerian-Finnish capacity development expert, Mr Abayomi Magbagbeola  all condemned our "life value system". They expressed their shock at how much value we really placed on our lives as Nigerians. According to Mr Abayomi Magbagbeola. Its a capital intensive sector and it needs government support in infrastructure, regulation, oversight, administration and transparency. If the government put more value on human lives albeit citizen of the country then it'll be our interest to ensure that the aircraft are not flying coffins.

Also a total overhaul of our emergency response system is needed and be made a priority. A clear cut emergency response operation, an integrated approach of all agencies that have overlapping functions in providing such, also focus on airbound accident and emergency response should be considered. The value we place on human lives should be critically looked into. Its a capital intensive sector and it needs government support in infrastructure, regulation, oversight, administration and transparency. If the government put more value on human lives albeit citizen of the country then it'll be our interest to ensure that the aircraft are not flying coffins.

The inaugural candle light memorial came out with a three common stands and wishes the Nigerian government utilizes this in new aviation policies.

There must be double check of all flights before they leave the airport.

Any previous fault, emergency landing done on an aircraft in previous six  months must be published and made available to passengers on the particular flight.

A huge fine or possible license revocation should be given to any airline who does not adhere to this.

Our  condolence goes to the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this carnage.

Video Version

http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/rPbVlgz6mDY

More photos of the event below:





Event Reporter
Olalekan Oladepo, Finland

[Emmy Baba]

Good gesture by the Nigerian community in Finland. May the souls of the deceased rest in peace!

[KingFemzee]

Thats a worthy thing to do, i just hope the govt buckles up and make things right so that such am event would not repeat itself in the futureg