Isaac Fayose, younger brother of an ex-governor of Ekiti State Ayo Fayose, has recounted how he cheated death in the ill-fated Dana Air flight 0992 on June 3, 2012.
The plane crash remains the deadliest for a commercial airliner in Nigeria’s history, surpassing the Kano air disaster in 1973.
All 153 passengers and crew members on board were killed, along with six people on the ground.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft which took off from Abuja experienced a dual-engine failure while approaching Lagos, resulting in a devastating crash into nearby buildings.
In a touching post on Instagram, Fayose revealed that he was a survivor of the ill-fated flight.
He recounted how unforeseen events made him miss the 2 pm flight. He expressed gratitude for his second chance at life and honoured the memory of the victims, including his uncle and friends.
Fayose wrote, “On the 3rd of June, 2012, exactly 12 years ago on this day, I missed the 2 pm ill-fated Dana flight 123 to Lagos. I bought the ticket, but one thing led to another, and I missed the flight.
“I am not better than those who died and have been so humbled by that experience which was truly by the grace of God. I lost friends on that flight, including my uncle, but life continues.
“No one is too special, yet life is a precious gift from God, and should be celebrated from moment to moment for as long as we still have it. Be kind to people when you have the opportunity because you might not have that chance again to show kindness.
“May all the souls of those who perished on that ill-fated flight continue to Rest in Peace.”
