Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has joined prayers and a service of remembrance in New York to honour the innocent lives lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Obi, who disclosed this in a statement, said 25 years after the tragedy, the pain of that day remained deeply felt by families who lost loved ones and the American people.
“Twenty-five years later, the pain of that tragic day remains deeply felt by the families who lost loved ones and by a nation that has continued to carry their memory,” Obi said.
He also paid tribute to firefighters, police officers, first responders and ordinary citizens who risked their lives to save others during the attacks.
“We also honour the extraordinary courage of the firefighters, police officers, first responders, and ordinary citizens who ran towards danger to save others,” he said.
According to Obi, the courage displayed during the tragedy remained a reminder of the capacity for selflessness and goodness even in difficult circumstances.
“Their selflessness remains a powerful reminder of the courage and goodness that humanity is capable of, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy,” he said.
He stressed the need for humanity to look beyond nationality, race, religion and political differences, saying respect for human life should remain a shared value.
“Beyond nationality, race, religion, or political differences, there is a fundamental truth that binds us all: human life is sacred, and our shared humanity must unite us, especially in our darkest moments,” Obi said.
Obi extended his “heartfelt sympathy, prayers, and solidarity” to families still carrying the pain and memory of loved ones lost in the attacks, as well as to the American people.
He prayed that the memory of those who died would inspire efforts towards a more peaceful world.
“May their memory inspire us to work towards a world where peace, compassion, justice, and respect for human life prevail over hatred and terror,” he said.
Obi concluded, “We remember. We honour. We will never forget.”
He added that after the remembrance service, he continued with his high-level meetings in New York, which had just ended, saying, “We remain prayerful to God Almighty for a peaceful world.”