Jayne Whyte's Portfolio

On Monday morning, still trying to recover from the shock of the plane crash, I had rushed to the office as quickly as I could, tried to find Dr Ben Anyene’s phone number to confirm if he and the rest of the family was okay since I had seen a last name like his. I couldn’t find his, but I found that of Prof. Layi who is presently, the Executive Secretary to HERFRON (Health Reform Foundation Nigeria)  and I called him, my fingers were shaking as I dialled the numbers and my heart beat increased like I was running, like I was being chased by a masquerade and then he picked the phone- I was really glad he did. I introduced myself to him and he told me Dr Ben was out of the country and I thanked him for the information. My heart still wasn’t at rest. I may not be too close to Dr Ben but I have met him on several occasions (meetings, workshops etc..) a very nice man and seemed like a father (my father) and I just felt something was wrong but I prayed for him and his family.

The next day, a colleague called and told me that me that the Anyene family that lost their lives in the plane crash were Dr. Ben Anyene’s brother and his family. Tears of sorrow, pains in my chest, words of agony came out of my mouth. Another sad story.

It’s a painful way to die. I can imagine the screaming, the pains, the thoughts. It is just so sad. To Dr Ben Anyene, words cannot express the way we feel. Memories will continue to linger in the hearts of those who shared in their joy. We love them but God loves them most. May their gentle souls rest in the bosom of the lord where they will always find peace.Adieu.

The Federal Government has suspended the operating licence of Dana Airlines following last Sunday’s crash which claimed over 160 lives. May their souls through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.