Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has paid tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, calling for a world where peace, compassion and respect for human life prevail over hatred and terror.
Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the 2027 presidential election, made the remarks in a post on X on Saturday after attending a prayer and remembrance service in New York. His emergence as the NDC’s 2027 presidential candidate was reported in May.
The 25th anniversary of the attacks was marked across the United States on September 11, with ceremonies honouring the nearly 3,000 people killed when hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Virginia, while another crashed in Pennsylvania.
Obi said the passage of 25 years had not diminished the pain experienced by families who lost loved ones.
“Earlier today, while in New York, I joined in prayers and a service of remembrance to honour the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001,” he said.
He also paid tribute to firefighters, police officers, first responders and civilians who risked their lives to rescue others during the attacks.
According to Obi, their courage demonstrated the capacity for selflessness and compassion even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
He said the events of September 11 underscored the importance of recognising the value of human life regardless of nationality, race, religion or political differences.
“Human life is sacred, and our shared humanity must unite us, especially in our darkest moments,” Obi said.
He extended his sympathy and prayers to the families of those who died and to the American people, while urging the international community to pursue peace, justice and compassion.
“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 added.
Obi concluded by saying, “We remember. We honour. We will never forget,” and noted that he continued with his meetings in New York after the remembrance service.
The 2026 commemoration also featured a new moment of silence honouring people who later died from illnesses linked to exposure to toxic dust following the attacks.
