by Stanley Azuakola

Some concerned Nigerians are finalising plans to conduct a candlelight memorial service in honour of the over 160 people who died in the Dana air disaster on June 3, 2012.

The group, which has been rallying Nigerians to offer help and relief for those displaced as a result of the crash, released a statement saying that the memorial service will hold at the Beko Ransome Kuti Park on June 17, 2012.

According to the statement, “The Dana Air crash tragedy which occurred last week Sunday sent shock waves through the whole country. Tears, sorrow, anger disbelief and mourning gripped us all.

‪“Like many Nigerians, in a strong desire to ‘do something’ after this tragic accident, a group of individuals got together and began by implementing a plan to provide help and relief for the people whose homes were destroyed as a result of the crash and also find a way to bring the country together to ensure the souls of the departed have not gone in vain and that their memories remain in our hearts.”

Nigerians have expressed their grief and shared condolences over the unfortunate disaster, but these group are not satisfied with mere talking. They have already established a relief camp at Ogba, Lagos for those displaced by the crash.

The group is also soliciting support for the programme.

“If like many of us; you have sat down at home, asking yourself, ‘What can I do? How can I help?’ If you’ve knelt down and prayed for the souls of the departed and for the anguish of the families left behind and are interested in taking part or supporting this effort in any way (no help or assistance is too small), then please either respond back by email or send sms to 080 2222 0049,” the statement read.

The group includes Kwami Adadevoh, Kathleen Ndongmo, and Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, the project leader, co-project leader and project co-ordinator respectively.

‪The team members are Kunle Peter-Thomas; Ashim Egunjobi; Nkem Uwaje; Segun Akinseye; Jide Ogunsanwo; Richard Deman; and Dupe Killa-Kafidipe.