Jonathan: Dana Plane Crash, A Monumental Tragedy

A Dana plane

A Dana plane: can fly again

President Goodluck Jonathan Monday at a solemn, brief ceremony held at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja unveiled a cenotaph in remembrance of the 153 passengers who lost their lives in the tragic 3, June 2012 Dana plane crash in Agege area of Lagos, southwest Nigeria.

The ill-fated flight was on its way to Lagos from the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport, Abuja.

The President also laid wreath in remembrance of the victims at the ceremony attended by Stella Oduah, the Minister of Aviation and other ministers, religious leaders, members of the National Assembly and families of some of those who died in the aircraft incident.

Speaking after the unveiling of the cenotaph and laying of wreath, President Jonathan described the Dana Plane crash as a monumental tragedy for the nation and pledged that his administration will do everything possible not only to ensure that the Nigeria airway is safe, but that there is no re-occurrence of such aircraft incident in the country.

While comforting families of victims of the plane crash, the President also listed some of the additional safeguards he ordered in the aviation industry as a way of preventing future occurrence. These are the audit of operators in the aviation industry designed to uncover possible lapses in their operation, and the new Aviation policy.

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President Jonathan said findings from the audit of the aviation industry he ordered are already being implemented.

He said there is need for vigilance on the part of all stakeholders in the aviation industry to ensure safety.

He added that the cenotaph is a symbol that the victims of the Dana plane crash will never be forgotten as well as a reminder to all Nigerians to do everything possible to prevent a similar occurrence.

A representative of the families of the victims of the plane crash also laid wreath at the occasion which also featured Christian and Muslim prayers.

—Oluokun Ayorinde/Abuja

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