Sunday, 17 June 2012

Clerics blame Dana crash on corruption


The Senior Pastor of Bethel Covenant Family Church, Ota, Pastor David Adeleke, has blamed Dana air mishap on corruption in Nigeria.
Adeleke spoke on Friday at a service of songs held for the victims of the ill-fated Dana airplane, which included his son, Oluwadamilare Adeleke, a 400 level student of Agriculture Economics Bowen University, Iwo and a member of the church, Olabanji Olukoya, the Chief Executive Officer, Flora Incorporated Limited.
He contended that the crash, which occurred on Sunday, June 3, claiming over 159 lives, happened because Nigerians no longer valued lives.
“Corruption has eaten so deep into some people that nobody cares about anything. But when we have the fear of God and put the lives of people before money, if we place value on human life, this nation will be better,” he said.
According to Adeleke, the programme was intended to pay the last respect to all the departed souls, and pray for the bereaved families as well as Nigeria as a nation.
“We will all pass away but no one knows when, where or how. So, we must be of good courage,” he said.
Oluwadamilare’s mother, Pastor (Mrs.) Funmilayo Adeleke who was surprisingly full of strength and courage for one who had just lost her son, gave the exhortation at the service. She said she had no sorrow in her heart because “the balm of Gilead has soothed the pains away.”
Recalling her last moments with her son and Olabanji whom she said was the closest person to her, she said, “I gave Damilare a hug on Saturday morning when I was leaving Abuja. Little did I know it would be the last time we would hug each other.
“On May 31 also, Banji ran to me and said she had dreamt of someone pouring dust on her and that her name was on Facebook for an evil report for the world to see. She had four different evil dreams in all but I prayed with her and counseled her. I was her confidant.”
Olabanji’s mother, Mrs. Flora Olukoya, in a tear-laden voice on the other hand, described her late daughter as a unique woman.
“My joy today is that she is resting in the lord. God gave her to me in a unique and wonderful way. Oluwabamiji Olajumoke Uchechukwu Olukoya was a daughter in a million. She was lovable and loving, very straightforward and I am happy she lived in peace with everyone before God called her,” she said.
Meanwhile, The Lagos State Missioner, Ansar Ud Deen Society of Nigeria, Imam Zakariyah Thanni, has attribited the cause of Nigeria’s misfortune to corruption and indiscipline.
Thanni, who spoke during a multi-faith candle light memorial service for victims of the Dana air crash in Lagos on Sunday, said it was unfortunate that despite government assurances on the safety of the Nigerian airspace, such a tragic incident still occured.
The memorial service held at Muri Okunola Park, Lagos was organised by SEEDS, an independent non governmental organisation, which consisting of 15 members.
Thanni said, “The turn of event shows that corruption and indiscipline is the cause of our misfortune.
“The federal should as a matter of fact investigate thoroughly the cause of the crash and all those culpable should be brought to book.”

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